Ubuntu

Add/remove applications not working

Asked by Alan Alan

Hello, I'm new to Ubuntu. I'm using Ubuntu 6.06 LTS and my problems started while looking for an MP3 player.

I tried to put the URL for Banshee's repository list into my repository list by adding a custom repository. Not to sure what happened next but there was no confirmation of correct installation only a message that the repository list had changed and that I should reload.

I tried to reload and an error came up saying it could not access the repository or something like that.

When I tried to open Add/Remove Applications (which worked before) it comes up with an error saying it cannot open because of severley malfunctioning software, and gives a file address which is /etc/apt/.../ sorces.list or something like that.

When I found the file using the equivelant of file manager I checked its properties and found it had zero contents. Also it says that I do not have permission to access the file.

My next step was a foolish move - I removed all repositories through the synaptic manager. I thought in doing so I could remove the dodgy one I put in (which wasn't listed) but of course it didnt change anything Add/Remove Applications still doesnt work and I still get the same error, and I just have one more thing to ask someone about how to fix it.

What I want is for my add/remove applications to work correctly and to allow me to install software from a wide range of repositories.

My only other query is about the number of users and groups that seem to be on my computer. A computer fix it man just installed Ubuntu for me and I was wondering is it niormal to have so many user /groups on Ubuntu?

I look forward to and fully appreciate any help which anyone can give.

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Solved by:
Max Schukin
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Best Max Schukin (schukin) said : 		#1

Hi Alan!

Try this:
1. To make a backup of your sources.list run Applications => Accessories => Terminal and enter the following command:
sudo cp /etc/apt/sources.list /etc/apt/sources.list.backup
2. Press Alt+F2 and enter:
gksudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list
3. Replace all the text in the file with following:

deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ dapper main restricted
deb-src http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ dapper main restricted

## Major bug fix updates produced after the final release of the
## distribution.
deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ dapper-updates main restricted
deb-src http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ dapper-updates main restricted

## Uncomment the following two lines to add software from the 'universe'
## repository.
## N.B. software from this repository is ENTIRELY UNSUPPORTED by the Ubuntu
## team, and may not be under a free licence. Please satisfy yourself as to
## your rights to use the software. Also, please note that software in
## universe WILL NOT receive any review or updates from the Ubuntu security
## team.
deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ dapper universe multiverse
deb-src http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ dapper universe multiverse

## Uncomment the following two lines to add software from the 'backports'
## repository.
## N.B. software from this repository may not have been tested as
## extensively as that contained in the main release, although it includes
## newer versions of some applications which may provide useful features.
## Also, please note that software in backports WILL NOT receive any review
## or updates from the Ubuntu security team.
deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ dapper-backports main restricted universe multiverse
deb-src http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ dapper-backports main restricted universe multiverse

deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu dapper-security main restricted
deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu dapper-security main restricted
deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu dapper-security universe multiverse
deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu dapper-security universe multiverse

## dapper-commercial by canonical
## currently has realplay (realplayer 10) and opera (opera 9)
## only uncomment it if you need it
## deb http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu dapper-commercial main

## Bleeding edge wine repository for Dapper
## only uncomment it if you need it
## deb http://wine.budgetdedicated.com/apt dapper main
## deb-src http://wine.budgetdedicated.com/apt dapper main

## skype
## only uncomment it if you need it
## deb http://download.skype.com/linux/repos/debian/ stable non-free

4. To take the new sources.list into effect run Applications => Accessories => Terminal and enter the following command:
sudo apt-get update

And yes it's normal to have many users and groups on Ubuntu.

Hope this helps.

Revision history for this message
Alan Alan (alsyourpal) said : 		#2

Hey man thanks so much I was feeling pretty dumb and thought oh S%%% i just messed up my computer AGAIN but its all sweet now thanks to your help.

Revision history for this message
Max Schukin (schukin) said : 		#3

You're welcome Alan :)