It seems that a *true* patch for this problem made its way in 2.6.20 (and in fiesty). http://www.mail-archive.com/feisty-changes%40lists.ubuntu.com/msg04711.html and some patches are available for 2.6.18 by Andrew Morton http://lwn.net/Articles/193154/ is there any chance they make their way into Debian stock kernel too? thx -- Ivan Sergio Borgonovo http://www.webthatworks.it