/dev/console: no such device, 2.4 kernel on 7.0 box (fwd)

Hi,
I am trying to compile a 2.4 kernel for my 7.0-based laptop.  For various 
unsightly reasons, I need to do this myself.

I finally got it to work- mostly.  However, I am unable to get a console 
(and mingetty complains about /dev/tty[1-6] as well).  The last thing I see 
on the screen when I boot is: "Ok, booting the kernel".  This is for kernel 
2.4.19.

Since the machine boots fine under the 2.2 redhat kernel, I don't think my 
devices are at fault.  I have compared /dev/console and /dev/tty[1-6] to 
the device (major,minor) numbers on my SuSE 7.3 box (running 2.4.10 kernel) 
and all shows a-ok.  I'm sure it's something in the kernel.

I ran make menuconfig and tried not to mess around with too many settings.

I have configured the kernel to load the serial char device as a module, 
because otherwise it was complaining about not being able to load the 
serial device.  (dunno if this is related...)  Anyway, it doesn't matter if 
serial is compiled in or if it's a module.

Any pointers would be appreciated (I have been working on this all day :( ).

Thanks!
--
-Mike Schwager
 [email protected]