8.44.1 is still PreInitDAL failing for me if I do not remove "by hand" the /etc/ati/amdpcsdb file systematically before every X11 start.
I have an HD2600 pro ( RV630 [Radeon HD 2600 Series] ), an amd64 architecture and a CRT display. (other possible workaround: in amdpcsdb file, start X11 and failed first with the standard DALObjectData0 line, then comment (with a ";" ) this line for the second attempt)
