Kernel - not syncing

[joebosak@uku.co.uk]

I've compiled a few kernels using 2.6.9.  ONe worked but I did not keep the 
config.  None of the ones I've done the Debian way (ie. through a deb file) 
boot.  The error message is: 

Kernel panic - not syncing: No init found.  Try passing init= option to 
kernel. 

Any ideas?  I do have one 2.6.9 kernel that doesn't do this - but like I 
said I don't have the configuration to hand.  Doing it on a 486, and 
compilation is taking 3-4 hours a shot, so I'm hoping someone can save me 
more tiral and error!