you "apt-get install help-me-i-have-fallen-debian-support-over-the-phone" you make sure you config the connection as a "Debian-Mephis flavor" as that'll changes a few things... expecially version dependancies.
IOW, when you call for recovery support service from certain peoples, you tell them that Mephis is installed and not Straight Debian. If you don't, it causes them to sound/act a bit in-coherent over the phone.