I'm not using modules but have speakup built into the kernel. I do have speakup with debian modules in a 2.6.26 kernel and that loads fine in /etc/modules using espeakup but then of course speakup doesn't start up as early. I wonder: would it make any difference if i tried to build a kernel without an initrd? -- Cheryl "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."