Kernel Panic from pppd when device is disconnected

[James McKenzie]

James Mckenzie wrote:
> 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 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.
I still have the question on how I can kill off the hung process.
-- 
James McKenzie
With assistance, Now running 2.6.11rc3, Software Suspend 2
and ibm-acpi .1
Need a home for my .rpm