black screen if PC interrupted at entering AFK-lock

[tiro_uspsss]

I have no friggin' idea if I've titled that correctly, sorry

Basically what happens is this:

I have the PC set to lock after being inactive/AFK after 3 or mins. It'll lock + play slideshow, as it is supposed to.

BUT

If I move the mouse, just as it's about to start / enters locked state, the monitors turn black, only the mouse cursor is visible & I have no way of getting back in, or out, or anything. It's not frozen. It's just not showing anything, except the mouse cursor. I'm then forced to restart via PC button, just so I can continue using.

Very annoying.

I'm not sure what info would be pertinent. I know I'm using 24.04 LTS, I'm fairly certain latest mesa drivers as well. PC is up-to-date.
Hardware -wise.. pretty ancient:

Xeon E5-2697v2
X9SRL-F
256GB RAM
AMD RX550
Titanium HD
LSI SAS3008
OS resides on a Samsung 950 Pro (with appropriate adapter PCIE card ofc)

[claydoh]

Does the cursor move? If so, does hitting alt-space or alt-f2 bring up krunner?

If so, you can use that to run applications and open system settings modules, as well as run commands, so this might help with logging out, etc as well.

But try restarting plasmashell: plasmashell --replace.

I can't say why it is happening. I assume you are using the stock slideshow plugin, and not an addon one.

[tiro_uspsss]

Does the cursor move? If so, does hitting alt-space or alt-f2 bring up krunner?

If so, you can use that to run applications and open system settings modules, as well as run commands, so this might help with logging out, etc as well.

But try restarting plasmashell: plasmashell --replace.

I can't say why it is happening. I assume you are using the stock slideshow plugin, and not an addon one.

yeah just using whatever is in system settings for the slideshow

yes, I can still move the mouse about.. I will try your suggestions, thank you