2.4.21 vesafb freeze

I use fbi to view pictures on the framebuffer. I've been using 2.4.17 for a very long time, and I haven't noticed this problem with 2.4.20 and 2.5.70

I have a Compaq Armada M700 laptop, with an ATI Rage Mobility videocard. Years ago I tried the ATI framebuffer things in the kernel, without much success, so I've been using the vesa framebuffer ever since.

With 2.4.21 the effect is this: I start fbi with some picture, the panel goes white in a its-not-working fashion (so not the same as viewing an all white picture), and my computer stops responding. Cannot be pinged, keyboard doesn't work any more.

Switch off.

Gee