Thanks for your reply!

I solved the problem by going to BIOS and changing 'Plug and Play OS' to 'disable'. Just FYI, I have an Abit KT7A motherboard with latest BIOS patches.

But why do I have to do that? Isn't Linux a PnP OS? I know it's often Plug and Pray in Windows, but it still seems weird that something as common BIOS option as that doesn't work. This kinda reaffirms the myth that Windows is easier to install... and that's sad.

BUT, ADSL connection through a router was much easier to install under Knoppix than under Windows. The damn thing actually autodetected the DNS servers! Typed this computer's IP and router's IP and that was it! Wow! Connection is up, I\m writing this on Knoppix and the whole procedure took only a minute! Now THAT's plug and play.

I can imagine how handy Knoppix is when building a new computer. Stuck in the hardware, and if there's OS install problems just put in Knoppix and ask help or download upgrades from the internet. Cool...