Most recent kernel where this bug did not occur:2.6.17.13
Distribution: Crux

Hardware Environment: All our P4 and PIII Servers

Software Environment: Not software dependable
Problem Description:
When upgrade to 2.6.17.11 then our servers with multiple NIC's changed the 
order it was loaded.
We use modules for NIC's in kernel config.
modprobe.conf are set up as this example.

alias eth0 e100
alias eth1 8139too

Efter upgrade to 2.6.17.11 the NIC which is first loaded is 8139too (Realtek) 
which then get eth0 
and second is the e100 (INTEL) eth1

Kernel 2.6.17.8 and erlier was loaded in the order of modprobe.conf settings.

After upgrade to 2.6.17.13 then the load order of eth modules have change 
again, and still dont folow the modprobe.conf setting.

Efter upgrade to 2.6.17.13 the NIC which now is loaded  first is the e100 eth0
(INTEL) and second is 8139too (Realtek) eht1

I have the same problem with 3com and realtek or 3com and Intel NIC's
it change the load order and don't folow the modprobe.conf settings.

Steps to reproduce:
Use to different NIC's and use 2.6.17.8 and config the driver as module in 
kernel config. use modprobe.conf and config as I have describe.
Change then to 2.6.7.11.

And then use 2.6.7.13 and see how the the NIC driver are loaded.

It seams to work ok with 3com and tulip based (D-LINK 4-port NIC