Boot from 2.6.26-2-686 fails - unable to find root device

[Bruce Ward <bmward@orcon.net.nz>]

I have a problem with the new linux-image (2.6.26-2-686) provided as an
update to Lenny. I have no problem with booting from the old image
(2.6.26-1-686).

The boot fails with messages:
   Gave up waiting for root device.
   ALERT! /dev/disk/by-label/D5root does not exist.
          Dropping to a shell!

At that stage there is no /dev/disk directory (let alone a by-label
subdir!)

I use labels for my partitions because I have a mix of SATA and SCSI
disks and Etch and Lenny find them in different order! I have exactly
equivalent GRUB stanzas for both kernels; 2.6.26-1-686 has no problem.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Bruce