Network fails to load on boot

This document (7009042) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

Environment

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10

Situation

After reboot the network is not available, no IP address is bound, lsmod <driver> reveals that the driver is not being loaded at boot time. Going into Yast will allow the driver to be loaded and networking to start.

Resolution

Edit the pci device for you network card under /etc/sysconfig/hardware. The file name will be similar to hwcfg-bus-pci-####:##:##.#. One of the lines in the file will list the module to load for the NIC at boot. Verify that the module is listed and correct for the device.

Incorrect:
MODULE=' '
MODULE_OPTIONS=' '
STARTMODE='auto'

Correct:
MODULE='pcnet32'
MODULE_OPTIONS=' '
STARTMODE='auto'

Disclaimer

This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.