2.6.8-rc2: 'Invalid MAC address' error with via-rhine driver

I get the following error trying to load the via-rhine module with kernel 2.6.8-rc2. I did not get this error with 2.6.8-rc1-mm1.

Jul 20 20:11:13 mindpipe kernel: via-rhine.c:v1.10-LK1.1.20-2.6 May-23-2004 Written by Donald Becker
Jul 20 20:11:13 mindpipe kernel: Invalid MAC address for card #0
Jul 20 20:11:13 mindpipe kernel: via-rhine: probe of 0000:00:12.0 failed with error -5

Quoted 3 lines · Lee Revell

I get the following error trying to load the via-rhine module with kernel 2.6.8-rc2. I did not get this error with 2.6.8-rc1-mm1.

Quoted 3 lines

Jul 20 20:11:13 mindpipe kernel: via-rhine.c:v1.10-LK1.1.20-2.6 May-23-2004 Written by Donald Becker
Jul 20 20:11:13 mindpipe kernel: Invalid MAC address for card #0
Jul 20 20:11:13 mindpipe kernel: via-rhine: probe of 0000:00:12.0 failed with error -5

The problem is known (see my other postings), but the cause is not. I cannot reproduce the problem, if you are willing to conduct a binary search with no more than 4 steps, I'll send you the relevant patches.

Yes, send them to me, I should be able to nail this down. Probably won't have time for a day or two.