e1000_validate_option(&adapter->itr, &opt,
                                        adapter);
                                /*
-                                * save the setting, because the dynamic bits
-                                * change itr. clear the lower two bits
-                                * because they are used as control
+                                * Save the setting, because the dynamic bits
+                                * change itr.
                                 */
-                               adapter->itr_setting = adapter->itr & ~3;
+                               if (e1000_validate_option(&adapter->itr, &opt,
+                                                         adapter) &&
+                                   (adapter->itr == 3)) {
+                                       /*
+                                        * In case of invalid user value,
+                                        * default to conservative mode.
+                                        */
+                                       adapter->itr_setting = adapter->itr;
+                                       adapter->itr = 20000;
+                               } else {
+                                       /*
+                                        * Clear the lower two bits because
+                                        * they are used as control.
+                                        */
+                                       adapter->itr_setting =
+                                               adapter->itr & ~3;
+                               }
                                break;
                        }
                } else {