diff --git a/arch/alpha/kernel/process.c b/arch/alpha/kernel/process.c
index fa98dae3cd98..eb20c3afff58 100644
--- a/arch/alpha/kernel/process.c
+++ b/arch/alpha/kernel/process.c
@@ -127,6 +127,10 @@ common_shutdown_1(void *generic_ptr)
 	/* If booted from SRM, reset some of the original environment. */
 	if (alpha_using_srm) {
 #ifdef CONFIG_DUMMY_CONSOLE
+		/* If we've gotten here after SysRq-b, leave interrupt
+		   context before taking over the console. */
+		if (in_interrupt())
+			irq_exit();
 		/* This has the effect of resetting the VGA video origin.  */
 		take_over_console(&dummy_con, 0, MAX_NR_CONSOLES-1, 1);
 #endif