Ubuntu

Unable to do software updates

Asked by Frank

When trying to do software updates I receive the following error message:
E:Encountered a section with no Package: header, E:Problem with MergeList /var/lib/apt/lists/security.ubuntu.com_ubuntu_dists_quantal-security_universe_i18n_Translation-en%%5fUS, E:The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened.

Any suggestions?

Frank

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Manfred Hampl
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Warren Hill (warren-hill) said : 		#1

Are you using a currently supported version of Ubuntu?

To check open a terminal (CTRL+ALT+T) and Enter

---------------------------------------------------------
lsb_release -a
--------------------------------------------------------

The list of currently supported versions is here
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Releases

If you are using anything other than 12.04 or 12.10 I would recommend an upgrade by backing up your data and doing a clean install.

If you are running a supported version follow the the trouble shooting instructions here:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/PackageManagerTroubleshootingProcedure

At step 6 instead of creating a new question post the output here
https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/222499

And one of us will try and assist further.

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Best Manfred Hampl (m-hampl) said : 		#2

Manfred Hampl suggests this article as an answer to your question:
FAQ #1591: “'E:Encountered a section with no Package: header, E:Problem with MergeList”.

Revision history for this message
Frank (fgrantham) said : 		#3

Manfred,

That did it. Thanks

Frank