I figured out what was happening and it had to do with a missing file in /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts. I had to copy one of the configuration files from another and then if_down.ppp would work.Here is a strange problem and I think it appeared with 2.6.11-rc3, but may happen with the 2.6.10 series of kernels too.
If I have pppd running and I disconnect the device (I am using a USB connection), the kernel panics and I cannot reconnect the device at the same /dev mount point nor can I kill pppd. If I kill the pppd connection before removing the device, all is happy.
How can I kill off pppd (I've tried SIGHUP, TERM and KILL) after this happens. I don't like rebooting to get back the ability to communicate.
I still have the question on how I can kill off the hung process.
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James McKenzie
With assistance, Now running 2.6.11rc3, Software Suspend 2
and ibm-acpi .1
Need a home for my .rpm