> [Kernel 2.4.2,

the -ac kernels contain a patch that automatically resets the nic if it
dies. I've attached my old patch, it applies to 2.4.2.

> 
> I tried the diagnostic utilities from Donald Becker at Scyld.com,
> but I don't  know what I should be looking for. The text output
> seems ok to me. 
>
Could you post the output?
And a few more lines from your kernel log.

--
	Manfred