LinuxQuestions.org - After kernel upgrade, no console, but box is up and running

Dell Poweredge 750 1U, P4, 1GB memory
Slackware 9.1.0

Old kernel: I think it was 2.4.22 (it was definitely 2.4.x)

I've just recently downloaded and compiled the linux 2.6.23.1 kernel.

I've altered my lilo config to be:

Code:

root@thebox:/boot# cat /etc/lilo.conf 

# LILO configuration file

# generated by 'liloconfig'

#

# Start LILO global section

boot = /dev/hdc

message = /boot/boot_message.txt

prompt

timeout = 1200

# Override dangerous defaults that rewrite the partition table:

change-rules

  reset

# VESA framebuffer console @ 1024x768x256

vga = 773

# Normal VGA console

# vga = normal

# VESA framebuffer console @ 1024x768x64k

# vga=791

# VESA framebuffer console @ 1024x768x32k

# vga=790

# VESA framebuffer console @ 1024x768x256

# vga=773

# VESA framebuffer console @ 800x600x64k

# vga=788

# VESA framebuffer console @ 800x600x32k

# vga=787

# VESA framebuffer console @ 800x600x256

# vga=771

# VESA framebuffer console @ 640x480x64k

# vga=785

# VESA framebuffer console @ 640x480x32k

# vga=784

# VESA framebuffer console @ 640x480x256

# vga=769

# End LILO global section

# Linux bootable partition config begins

image = /boot/vmlinuz

  root = /dev/hdc1

  label = Linux

  read-only

image = /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.23

  label = Linux_2.6.23

  root = /dev/hdc1



# i added the last 3 lines

I issued the shutdown -r now and it dutifully shutdown and restarted. The lilo screen comes up, and I select my new kernel.

Then I get a screen that says "Loading Linux 2.6.23" followed by a continuously expanding sequence of periods ("......") until periods fill that single line.

Then I get a "BIOS Data Check Successful" message.

Then my computer monitor clicks, goes black, and stays that way.

But... I can SSH into the box, and all my services are running, etc.

But, no console. Where do I start to look ?

And go gentle: total newb. First time I ever compiled a kernel.