Could not load any Browser, Since last update 10:00 7/01/21

What video chip are you using please?
Can you press CTRL + ALT + T and run applications rom there? Type "gedit" without the quotes and press ENTER. Does it load? If not are there useful messages in the terminal?

Yes, a new window opens, and I get a black screen and can't type anything in the text editor.
No errors msg in terminal.

Is this information you require?

What video chip are you using please?

Gigabyte GA-H81M-S2H Micro ATX Motherboard.

Chipset Intel H81 Express.
Graphics Processor (GPU)
1 x D-Sub port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1200
1 x DVI-D* port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1200
*The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.
1 x HDMI* port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160
*Support for HDMI 1.4a version.
Maximum shared memory of 1 GB

Ok, what web browser do you use please?

Firefox use at this time, also have Chromium browser.

OK can you type:
firefox

In the terminal to run the browser?

Done

Firefox browser started up and is working

Still using earlier version Ubuntu, with Linux 5.4.0-59-generic.

I have not rebooted since 11:00 am today. If I do them the problem comes back

Ok at least we have a work around.

What is the output of:

ls -la /usr/share/applications/firefox.desktop

Thanks

richard@richard-H81M-S2H:~$ ls -la /usr/share/applications/firefox.desktop
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 9261 Dec 22 15:21 /usr/share/applications/firefox.desktop
richard@richard-H81M-S2H:~$

What is the output of the commands

dpkg -l | grep ' linux-i'
ls -l /boot

richard@richard-H81M-S2H:~$ dpkg -l | grep ' linux-i'
rc linux-image-5.4.0-26-generic 5.4.0-26.30 amd64 Signed kernel image generic
rc linux-image-5.4.0-42-generic 5.4.0-42.46 amd64 Signed kernel image generic
rc linux-image-5.4.0-45-generic 5.4.0-45.49 amd64 Signed kernel image generic
rc linux-image-5.4.0-47-generic 5.4.0-47.51 amd64 Signed kernel image generic
rc linux-image-5.4.0-48-generic 5.4.0-48.52 amd64 Signed kernel image generic
rc linux-image-5.4.0-51-generic 5.4.0-51.56 amd64 Signed kernel image generic
rc linux-image-5.4.0-52-generic 5.4.0-52.57 amd64 Signed kernel image generic
rc linux-image-5.4.0-53-generic 5.4.0-53.59 amd64 Signed kernel image generic
rc linux-image-5.4.0-54-generic 5.4.0-54.60 amd64 Signed kernel image generic
rc linux-image-5.4.0-56-generic 5.4.0-56.62 amd64 Signed kernel image generic
rc linux-image-5.4.0-58-generic 5.4.0-58.64 amd64 Signed kernel image generic
ii linux-image-5.4.0-59-generic 5.4.0-59.65 amd64 Signed kernel image generic
ii linux-image-5.8.0-34-generic 5.8.0-34.37~20.04.2 amd64 Signed kernel image generic
ii linux-image-generic-hwe-20.04 5.8.0.34.37~20.04.20 amd64 Generic Linux kernel image
richard@richard-H81M-S2H:~$

richard@richard-H81M-S2H:~$ ls -l /boot
total 139828
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 237764 Dec 10 11:37 config-5.4.0-59-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 248291 Dec 17 14:37 config-5.8.0-34-generic
drwx------ 3 root root 4096 Jan 1 1970 efi
drwxr-xr-x 4 root root 4096 Jan 7 10:20 grub
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 27 Jan 7 10:18 initrd.img -> initrd.img-5.8.0-34-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 54206240 Jan 5 15:07 initrd.img-5.4.0-59-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 56235157 Jan 7 10:18 initrd.img-5.8.0-34-generic
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 27 Jan 7 10:18 initrd.img.old -> initrd.img-5.4.0-59-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 182704 Aug 18 11:46 memtest86+.bin
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 184380 Aug 18 11:46 memtest86+.elf
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 184884 Aug 18 11:46 memtest86+_multiboot.bin
-rw------- 1 root root 4746296 Dec 10 11:37 System.map-5.4.0-59-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 5515823 Dec 17 14:37 System.map-5.8.0-34-generic
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 24 Jan 7 10:18 vmlinuz -> vmlinuz-5.8.0-34-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 11686656 Dec 10 11:40 vmlinuz-5.4.0-59-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 9716640 Dec 17 14:41 vmlinuz-5.8.0-34-generic
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 24 Jan 7 10:18 vmlinuz.old -> vmlinuz-5.4.0-59-generic
richard@richard-H81M-S2H:~$

You can clean that up with:

sudo dpkg -P `dpkg -l | grep ^rc | awk {'print $2'}`

So what do I do now?

Rebooted problem still there.

By the way, thank you Manfred and Andrew for your help.

When and why did you install the linux-image-generic-hwe kernel?

I click on Software Updater often and it said there were updates to download this morning so I installed them as I have been doing regularly.

Which I have been doing for many years (since 2009) without too many problems.

1/ I thought that we should keep Ubuntu 20.04.LTS up-to-date?

2/ Should I not do this?

3/ How I correct my problem?

4/ How would I know that should not install these updates?

"Could not load any Browser"
What exactly happens?

Good morning Manfred,

I get to my login screen, login, and my desktop is shown and is normal.

If I try to open anything, Browser, Word Doc, Spreadsheet, Software Updater, usually nothing opens and the only thing that will move is the cursor and the system locks up.

If anything tries to open them either the bar (on my left where browser & Apps are listed) starts flashing or the app/browser icon starts flashing them the system locks up.

I can open the calendar at the center top of the screen.

If I try to open a terminal a black rectangle opens or flashes on &off.

The way to get it working as I am now using is to select a different start-up (I was using Ubuntu, with Linux 5.8.0-34-generic.
So I went back to an earlier version of Ubuntu, with Linux 5.4.0-59-generic.)

I hope this helps you?

Regards,

Rich.b

Did a 5.8.0-series kernel already work well, or did this behavior start with the installation of the 5.8.0-* version of the kernel?

Well, I do not know much about "kernels" As I did not monitor this update which I would normally do, I believe that a kernel was mentioned. I assume that it started with kernel with Linux 5.8.0-34-generic.

I answer to your question I can only assume that the answer is yes, else why does it work now. I did not have any problems until I installed the update that I was told was available for (I assume ) Ubuntu 20.04.LTS as I have no control of which Ubuntu Software updater send to my computer. I know I could not download it but what would be the point of having a software updater?

As you will know there is an option to change Ubuntu at the start-up, so as my normal routine did not work other than get to the normal home screen I try the only other option that was available, and worked.

I hope this helps you.

regards,

Rich.b

As far as I know there would not be an automatic installation of the 5.8.0-series of the kernel packages on an Ubuntu 20.04 system like yours with the 5.4.0-series kernel, unless somebody manually selects installing the linux-image-generic-hwe package. Did you do this?

Not knowingly to my knowledge.

Certainly not deliberately.

So how do we correct this?

As I said I only installed what I was told was available from the software updater.
I do remember that I saw some think like linux-image-generic package in a recent download.

Perhaps someone should check if this 5.8.0-series package was inadvertently added to Ubuntu 20.04.LTS download listing!

The current Linux image on Ubuntu 20.04 through updates is:
linux-image-5.8.0-34-generic 5.8.0-34.37~20.04.2 Signed kernel image generic
linux-image-generic-hwe-20.04 5.8.0.34.37~20.04.20 Generic Linux kernel image
Update occurred 01/06/2021

Thank you Bernard for the information.

Update occurred 01/06/2021 - is this the American date 6th January 2021?

I did do an update on 6th Jan 2021 between 10:00 & 11:00

I am using Ubuntu, with Linux kernel 5.4.0-59-generic .

I assume the problem is being caused by Linux kernel 5.8.0-34-generic.

No the Linux kernel 5.8 is stable. Currently using it with no problems. Do you have any installed PPA's on your system ? Have you recently installed any new packages or apps from the Ubuntu software center?

What is the output of the command

zcat /var/log/apt/history.log.[1-5].gz | grep -E 'Command|hwe'

This is the output that Manfred requested:-

richard@richard-H81M-S2H:~$ zcat /var/log/apt/history.log.[1-5].gz | grep -E 'Command|hwe'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.112'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.110'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.120'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.142'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.121'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.157'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.113'
Upgrade: linux-headers-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.56.59, 5.4.0.58.61), linux-libc-dev:amd64 (5.4.0-56.62, 5.4.0-58.64), linux-image-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.56.59, 5.4.0.58.61), linux-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.56.59, 5.4.0.58.61)
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.111'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.119'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.114'
Commandline: packagekit role='install-files'
Commandline: packagekit role='install-packages'
Commandline: packagekit role='remove-packages'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.114'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.111'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.109'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.102'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.120'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.106'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.119'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.121'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.103'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.115'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.144'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.100'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.107'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.106'
Upgrade: linux-headers-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.52.55, 5.4.0.53.56), intel-microcode:amd64 (3.20200609.0ubuntu0.20.04.2, 3.20201110.0ubuntu0.20.04.1), linux-libc-dev:amd64 (5.4.0-52.57, 5.4.0-53.59), linux-image-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.52.55, 5.4.0.53.56), linux-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.52.55, 5.4.0.53.56), firefox-locale-en:amd64 (82.0.2+build1-0ubuntu0.20.04.1, 82.0.3+build1-0ubuntu0.20.04.1), firefox:amd64 (82.0.2+build1-0ubuntu0.20.04.1, 82.0.3+build1-0ubuntu0.20.04.1)
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.92'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.121'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.114'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.159'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.124'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.130'
Upgrade: libkrb5-3:amd64 (1.17-6ubuntu4, 1.17-6ubuntu4.1), linux-headers-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.53.56, 5.4.0.54.57), libgssapi-krb5-2:amd64 (1.17-6ubuntu4, 1.17-6ubuntu4.1), linux-libc-dev:amd64 (5.4.0-53.59, 5.4.0-54.60), libldap-2.4-2:amd64 (2.4.49+dfsg-2ubuntu1.4, 2.4.49+dfsg-2ubuntu1.5), libvncclient1:amd64 (0.9.12+dfsg-9ubuntu0.2, 0.9.12+dfsg-9ubuntu0.3), vino:amd64 (3.22.0-5ubuntu2.1, 3.22.0-5ubuntu2.2), libk5crypto3:amd64 (1.17-6ubuntu4, 1.17-6ubuntu4.1), linux-image-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.53.56, 5.4.0.54.57), libvncserver1:amd64 (0.9.12+dfsg-9ubuntu0.2, 0.9.12+dfsg-9ubuntu0.3), krb5-locales:amd64 (1.17-6ubuntu4, 1.17-6ubuntu4.1), linux-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.53.56, 5.4.0.54.57), libkrb5support0:amd64 (1.17-6ubuntu4, 1.17-6ubuntu4.1), firefox-locale-en:amd64 (82.0.3+build1-0ubuntu0.20.04.1, 83.0+build2-0ubuntu0.20.04.1), libldap-common:amd64 (2.4.49+dfsg-2ubuntu1.4, 2.4.49+dfsg-2ubuntu1.5), libenchant-2-2:amd64 (2.2.8-1, 2.2.8-1ubuntu0.20.04.1), enchant-2:amd64 (2.2.8-1, 2.2.8-1ubuntu0.20.04.1), firefox:amd64 (82.0.3+build1-0ubuntu0.20.04.1, 83.0+build2-0ubuntu0.20.04.1)
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.93'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.150'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.130'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.123'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.119'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.115'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.104'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.124'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.117'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.153'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.110'
Upgrade: linux-headers-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.54.57, 5.4.0.56.59), linux-libc-dev:amd64 (5.4.0-54.60, 5.4.0-56.62), linux-image-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.54.57, 5.4.0.56.59), linux-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.54.57, 5.4.0.56.59)
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.102'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.152'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.118'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.112'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.133'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.127'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.116'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.109'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Upgrade: linux-headers-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.48.51, 5.4.0.51.54), linux-image-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.48.51, 5.4.0.51.54), linux-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.48.51, 5.4.0.51.54)
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.103'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.127'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.122'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.114'
Upgrade: linux-headers-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.51.54, 5.4.0.52.55), linux-libc-dev:amd64 (5.4.0-51.56, 5.4.0-52.57), linux-image-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.51.54, 5.4.0.52.55), linux-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.51.54, 5.4.0.52.55), libfreetype6:amd64 (2.10.1-2, 2.10.1-2ubuntu0.1)
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.97'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.125'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.118'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.105'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.109'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.169'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.110'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Upgrade: linux-headers-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.42.46, 5.4.0.45.49), linux-image-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.42.46, 5.4.0.45.49), linux-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.42.46, 5.4.0.45.49)
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.123'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.120'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.135'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.121'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.116'
Upgrade: linux-headers-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.45.49, 5.4.0.47.50), linux-libc-dev:amd64 (5.4.0-45.49, 5.4.0-47.51), linux-image-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.45.49, 5.4.0.47.50), linux-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.45.49, 5.4.0.47.50)
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.122'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.126'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.122'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.129'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.122'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.126'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.113'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.125'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.121'
Upgrade: linux-headers-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.47.50, 5.4.0.48.51), linux-libc-dev:amd64 (5.4.0-47.51, 5.4.0-48.52), linux-image-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.47.50, 5.4.0.48.51), linux-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.47.50, 5.4.0.48.51)
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.121'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.109'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.109'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.113'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.167'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.113'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.132'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.117'
Commandline: packagekit role='install-packages'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.115'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.120'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.118'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.143'
Commandline: packagekit role='install-packages'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.126'
Commandline: packagekit role='install-packages'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.112'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.116'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.127'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.115'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.111'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.128'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.127'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.134'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.122'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.123'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.121'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.127'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.153'
richard@richard-H81M-S2H:~$

This is the answer for Bernard:-

Yes, I have downloaded a number of PPA's which are in the Activities and were download from Ubuntu's site.

Nearly all were installed early in December 2020. They were mainly electronic App's Signal generator, Audio mixers, etc.

None of them have been used for a number of weeks and I have had no problem until 7th Jan 2021 after the last update.

Note:- There was a "Restart" after the last download that's when the problems occurred.

Please show the output of more commands:

zcat /var/log/apt/history.log.[1-5].gz | grep '5.8.0'
cat /var/log/apt/history.log | grep -E 'Command|hwe|5.8.0'

Here your reply Manfred:-

richard@richard-H81M-S2H:~$ zcat /var/log/apt/history.log.[1-5].gz | grep '5.8.0'
richard@richard-H81M-S2H:~$ cat /var/log/apt/history.log | grep -E 'Command|hwe|5.8.0'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.120'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Upgrade: linux-headers-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.58.61, 5.4.0.59.62), linux-image-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.58.61, 5.4.0.59.62), linux-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.58.61, 5.4.0.59.62)
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.111'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.111'
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.111'
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: aptdaemon role='role-commit-packages' sender=':1.114'
Install: linux-modules-5.8.0-34-generic:amd64 (5.8.0-34.37~20.04.2, automatic), libllvm11:amd64 (1:11.0.0-2~ubuntu20.04.1, automatic), linux-hwe-5.8-headers-5.8.0-34:amd64 (5.8.0-34.37~20.04.2, automatic), linux-image-5.8.0-34-generic:amd64 (5.8.0-34.37~20.04.2, automatic), linux-headers-5.8.0-34-generic:amd64 (5.8.0-34.37~20.04.2, automatic), linux-modules-extra-5.8.0-34-generic:amd64 (5.8.0-34.37~20.04.2, automatic)
Upgrade: linux-headers-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.59.62, 5.8.0.34.37~20.04.20), xserver-common:amd64 (2:1.20.8-2ubuntu2.6, 2:1.20.9-2ubuntu1.1~20.04.1), libegl1:amd64 (1.3.1-1ubuntu0.20.04.1, 1.3.2-1~ubuntu0.20.04.1), xserver-xorg-core:amd64 (2:1.20.8-2ubuntu2.6, 2:1.20.9-2ubuntu1.1~20.04.1), libegl-mesa0:amd64 (20.0.8-0ubuntu1~20.04.1, 20.2.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1), libgl1:amd64 (1.3.1-1ubuntu0.20.04.1, 1.3.2-1~ubuntu0.20.04.1), libglapi-mesa:amd64 (20.0.8-0ubuntu1~20.04.1, 20.2.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1), xserver-xorg-legacy:amd64 (2:1.20.8-2ubuntu2.6, 2:1.20.9-2ubuntu1.1~20.04.1), libxatracker2:amd64 (20.0.8-0ubuntu1~20.04.1, 20.2.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1), libgles2:amd64 (1.3.1-1ubuntu0.20.04.1, 1.3.2-1~ubuntu0.20.04.1), linux-image-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.59.62, 5.8.0.34.37~20.04.20), libgbm1:amd64 (20.0.8-0ubuntu1~20.04.1, 20.2.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1), linux-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.59.62, 5.8.0.34.37~20.04.20), xserver-xephyr:amd64 (2:1.20.8-2ubuntu2.6, 2:1.20.9-2ubuntu1.1~20.04.1), xwayland:amd64 (2:1.20.8-2ubuntu2.6, 2:1.20.9-2ubuntu1.1~20.04.1), libglx0:amd64 (1.3.1-1ubuntu0.20.04.1, 1.3.2-1~ubuntu0.20.04.1), nautilus-sendto:amd64 (3.8.6-3, 3.8.6-3ubuntu0.20.04.1), libgl1-mesa-dri:amd64 (20.0.8-0ubuntu1~20.04.1, 20.2.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1), mesa-vdpau-drivers:amd64 (20.0.8-0ubuntu1~20.04.1, 20.2.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1), mesa-vulkan-drivers:amd64 (20.0.8-0ubuntu1~20.04.1, 20.2.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1), mesa-va-drivers:amd64 (20.0.8-0ubuntu1~20.04.1, 20.2.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1), libglx-mesa0:amd64 (20.0.8-0ubuntu1~20.04.1, 20.2.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1), libglvnd0:amd64 (1.3.1-1ubuntu0.20.04.1, 1.3.2-1~ubuntu0.20.04.1)
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
Commandline: /usr/bin/unattended-upgrade
richard@richard-H81M-S2H:~$

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/PPA
Your issue most likely would be a bug in one of the PPA's that you have installed, that usually will not show up until after opening and using the PPA. PPA's are at users own risk.

Ok, this last output confirms, that the installation of the 5.8.0-* kernel packages was caused by an automatic upgrade [linux-generic-hwe-20.04:amd64 (5.4.0.59.62, 5.8.0.34.37~20.04.20)].
see also http://launchpadlibrarian.net/511269418/linux-meta-hwe-5.8_5.8.0.33.36~20.04.19_5.8.0.34.37~20.04.20.diff.gz
Now the remaining question is, why is the meta-package linux-generic-hwe-20.04 installed on your system at all?

The next question is: Why does the 5.8.0-34-generic version not correctly work on your system?
Meanwhile there is a new version of the kernel, 5.8.0-36-generic, maybe that one works on your system.

Sorry for delay with reply:-

Thank you Bernard,

So how do I correct this?

1/ Delete the PPA's <<< Would this help?
2/ Complete CLEAN install of 20.04 LTS?
3/ Do something else?

Thank you Manfred,

Is it posstible to install 5.8.0-36-generic while I am using 5.4.0-59-generic?

Because I cant do anything while using 5.8.0-34-generic kernel.

regards,

Rich.b

Is it possible to install 5.8.0-36-generic while I am using 5.4.0-59-generic?

Yes, of course, just start update-manager and it should find the available update.

Good afternoon Manfred,

While using 5.4.0-59-generic I deleted all the PPA's that I installed in early December.

Still using 5.4.0-59-generic I selected Software Updater to see if there were any updates, there were.

Rebooting I noticed that there an additional kernel 5.8.0-36-generic.

I rebooted again and both 5.8.0-36-generic & 5.8.0-34-generic have the same problems.

I notice that the was a longer delay and a moving circle image which then was frozen and the system lock up.

I am thinking of doing a clean install.

I see two possibilities:

In addition to a clean new installation (which could be a good idea anyhow), you could remove the 5.8.0-* kernel packages (that are not working on your system) and install the kernel meta packages in a way that you will get updates only for the 5.4.0-* kernel version.

Thank you, Manfred,

So how is this done:-

remove the 5.8.0-* kernel packages (that are not working on your system) and install the kernel meta packages in a way that you will get updates only for the 5.4.0-* kernel version.

would this matter if I am doing a clean install?

Rich.b

If you do a clean new install, then you do not need anything else (except making sure that the backup of your files is up-to-date).

How to revert to the 5.4.0-* kernels and to remove the 5.8.0-* family:

sudo apt install linux-generic
sudo apt purge linux-modules-5.8.0-34-generic linux-hwe-5.8-headers-5.8.0-34 linux-image-5.8.0-34-generic linux-headers-5.8.0-34-generic linux-modules-extra-5.8.0-34-generic linux-generic-hwe-20.04 linux-headers-generic-hwe-20.04 linux-image-generic-hwe-20.04 linux-modules-5.8.0-36-generic linux-hwe-5.8-headers-5.8.0-36 linux-image-5.8.0-36-generic linux-headers-5.8.0-36-generic linux-modules-extra-5.8.0-36-generic

Hello Manfred, Thank you for your help.

I have done a clean install and completed your instructions listed #48 entry.

This has deleted Ubuntu, with Linux 5.8.0.36 generic and left only Ubuntu, with Linux 5.4.0.26 generic.

My system is now working with no known problems so far.

Sorry for the delay, I was in the hospital for 2 days and now recoving.