I`ve got that error too.
I have diferent kernels from kernel.org.
I recompiled a kernel 2.6.18.2 lately. And then, if I try to install ati drivers, I'm getting a message:

----
Uncompressing ATI Proprietary Linux Driver-8.40.4...........
==================================================
ATI Technologies Linux Driver Installer/Packager
==================================================

Error: ./default_policy.sh does not support version
default:v2:i686:lib::none:2.6.18.2; make sure that the version is being
correctly set by --iscurrentdistro

Removing temporary directory: fglrx-install.uO5980

----
Of corse I have kernel headers, because I compiled a kernel myself. So, what's wrong?

First, switch back to Etch's kernel.

Then, try this guide: http://wiki.cchtml.com/index.php/Ubu...river_Manually
It's for Feisty, but it should work for Debian. Just build the debs for etch & ignore the linux-restricted-modules-common part.

I'm having the same issue on Slackware 12. How do you solve this problem on a non-Debian based distro?

I solved the problem!
You have to delete all kernels without distribution kernel, including .config, and compiled kernels and configs from /boot. Start system with distribution kernel, tar (j)zxf new kernel, configure, make modules modules_install bzImage install. Then restart, select this new compiled kernel, and ... voila Ati driver works!!

Could you please explain in a more simple way? I'm not very familiar with linux and have the exact same problem.

same

If you are getting the following error:

You need to run the driver in compatibility mode...

sh ati-driver-installer-9-3-x86.x86_64.run --listpkg

Choose a package listed:

sh ati-driver-installer-9-3-x86.x86_64.run --buildpkg Ubuntu/9.04


This will compile using an older version.