modules.dep problems

I have just installed the 2.2.18pre21 kernel image and have problems loading the modules. When i boot in to linux this message is shown depmod *** cant open dependencies files in /lib/modules/2.2.17/modules.dep I have played with depmod, update-modules and modules config and got very similar

CRASHED MACHINE = FB.overflow:1

After a few minutes on the net my Debian box crashes and I can not work in ANY terminal. I can change between them but they all have the message "FB.overflow:1" I then lift the phone and i still have the usual noises. I use wvdial to connect to the Internet and lynx or w3m to browse. Have