I'm trying to install KDE on a debian box. After installing kde and x-window-system using apt-get I run into troubles with X. It's popular topic, but I haven't been able to find a good lead on this one.

The relevant hardwares are a Matrox Mystique Videocard and a Samtron SC-428PT/PTL.

I configured using debconf, answering all questions based on the manuals from the matrox manual and http://www.monitorworld.com/Monitors...428ptptl.html.
According to the hardware howto I need to configure X to use the mga module. Configurations using discover also failed.

The problems start when runnin startx. The screen flashes twice and an error is displayed. From the logs I conclude the mga module gets loaded, it tells it is missing the Matrox HAL module, but moves on. Suddenly it start unloading all modules after a message on fbdevhw. Finnishing with a rather useless (EE).

The key lines in XFree86.0.log are:

(II) MGA(0): Matrox HAL module not found - using builtin mode setup instead
...
(II) Module fbdevhw: bendor="The XFree86 Project"
Compiled for 4.1.0.1, moduel version = 0.0.2
ABI class: XFRee 86 Video Driver, version 0.4
(II) UnloadModule: "mga"
...
(EE) Screen(s) found, but non have a usable configuration

So... the MGA loads another module? In some post I saw a mga_hall module, which does not exist in the modconf listings. I do see a matroxfb module. What is the way to go now?

Meanwhile, I've tried a knoppix disc. It works fine up to the point where you can select your boot options. I get the goodlooking bootscreen and stuff. After selecting kde on a correct screen resolution errors occur. De screens goes into state, best described with wavy and purple. I guess the settings are correct before, but wrong after automatic hardware detection. What are the settings before hardware detections and are they useable for X?