OpenOffice Install 12.04

Asked by clombard

Tried to install OpenOffice (ppa). It half installed...that is I can see the icons in the dash but it does not open or run.
When I tried to remove the program I get the following error message:

charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get remove openoffice
[sudo] password for charles:
E: Could not get lock /var/lib/dpkg/lock - open (11: Resource temporarily unavailable)
E: Unable to lock the administration directory (/var/lib/dpkg/), is another process using it?
charles@ubuntu:~$

How can I uninstall this half installed program?

Question information

Language:
English Edit question
Status:
Answered
For:
Ubuntu apt Edit question
Assignee:
No assignee Edit question
Last query:
Last reply:
Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said :
#1

If you have updates or packages installing or software centre open, let them finish / close software centre then retry. If not then run:

sudo fuser -vki /var/lib/dpkg/lock;sudo dpkg --configure -a

HTH

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#2

Result:

charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo fuser -vki /var/lib/dpkg/lock;sudo dpkg
--configure -a
[sudo] password for charles:
                     USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
/var/lib/dpkg/lock: root 2066 F.... dpkg
Kill process 2066 ? (y/N) y
dpkg: error: dpkg status database is locked by another process
charles@ubuntu:~$

On Tue, 2012-06-19 at 14:01 +0000, actionparsnip wrote:
> Your question #200885 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/200885
>
> Status: Open => Answered
>
> actionparsnip proposed the following answer:
> If you have updates or packages installing or software centre open, let
> them finish / close software centre then retry. If not then run:
>
> sudo fuser -vki /var/lib/dpkg/lock;sudo dpkg --configure -a
>
> HTH
>

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said :
#3

ok rerun the command, is it still running?

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#4

Re-ran command. Result:

charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo fuser -vki /var/lib/dpkg/lock
[sudo] password for charles:
                     USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
/var/lib/dpkg/lock: root 4446 F.... dpkg
Kill process 4446 ? (y/N) y
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
dpkg: error: dpkg status database is locked by another process
charles@ubuntu:~$

On Tue, 2012-06-19 at 14:15 +0000, actionparsnip wrote:
> Your question #200885 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/200885
>
> Status: Open => Needs information
>
> actionparsnip requested more information:
> ok rerun the command, is it still running?
>

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said :
#5

If you reboot, is it better?

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#6

More info:
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
[sudo] password for charles:
dpkg: error: dpkg status database is locked by another process
charles@ubuntu:~$

On Tue, 2012-06-19 at 14:15 +0000, actionparsnip wrote:
> Your question #200885 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/200885
>
> Status: Open => Needs information
>
> actionparsnip requested more information:
> ok rerun the command, is it still running?
>

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#7

Update manager does not work:
suggested commands do not work.
ScreenShots attached.

On Tue, 2012-06-19 at 14:15 +0000, actionparsnip wrote:
> Your question #200885 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/200885
>
> Status: Open => Needs information
>
> actionparsnip requested more information:
> ok rerun the command, is it still running?
>

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said :
#8

ps -ef | grep dpkg

What is output?

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#9

charles@ubuntu:~$ ps -ef | grep dpkg
root 2195 2176 0 12:37 pts/0 00:00:00 /usr/bin/dpkg --status-fd 14 --configure -a --force-confdef --force-confold
root 2197 2195 0 12:37 pts/0 00:00:00 /bin/sh /var/lib/dpkg/info/openoffice.postinst configure
charles 2299 2242 0 12:39 pts/2 00:00:00 grep --color=auto dpkg
charles@ubuntu:~$

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said :
#10

sudo kill -9 2195
sudo apt-get -f install

HTH

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#11

Nothing is working...another process seems
to have it locked up.
Since this is a dual boot machine would a
wubi intall of 12.04 correct everything...?
I have to get this working soon.
thanks

On Tue, 2012-06-19 at 14:15 +0000, actionparsnip wrote:
> Your question #200885 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/200885
>
> Status: Open => Needs information
>
> actionparsnip requested more information:
> ok rerun the command, is it still running?
>

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#12

Yes...still locked by another "process" .

Revision history for this message
Sam_ (and-sam) said :
#13

Maybe update-manager, software-center, synaptic is downloading or configuring in the background?

Try:
sudo rm /var/lib/dpkg/lock

sudo dpkg --configure -a

sudo apt-get clean
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo apt-get -f install

In the meantime disable the ppa.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Repositories/Ubuntu#Removing_.26_Disabling_Repositories

In case use ppa-purge.
http://askubuntu.com/questions/4983/what-are-ppas-and-how-do-i-use-them/91660#91660

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#14

Yes something seems to be going on in the backgrouns and all these
commands do not stop it. I removed all ppa repositories
then terminal hangs on the following command...
Is it still trying to setup openOffice?

charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo rm /var/lib/dpkg/lock
[sudo] password for charles:
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dkkg --configure -a
sudo: dkkg: command not found
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
Setting up openoffice (3.4~precise) ...
replace /opt/openoffice.org/basis3.4/help/en/default.css? [y]es, [n]o,
[A]ll, [N]one, [r]ename:

On Tue, 2012-06-19 at 14:15 +0000, actionparsnip wrote:
> Your question #200885 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/200885
>
> Status: Open => Needs information
>
> actionparsnip requested more information:
> ok rerun the command, is it still running?
>

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#15

Yes...it is still running.

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#16

charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo rm /var/lib/dpkg/lock
[sudo] password for charles:
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
dpkg: error: dpkg status database is locked by another process
charles@ubuntu:~$

What is this other process and can we stop it...??????

On Tue, 2012-06-19 at 14:15 +0000, actionparsnip wrote:
> Your question #200885 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/200885
>
> Status: Open => Needs information
>
> actionparsnip requested more information:
> ok rerun the command, is it still running?
>

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#17

I just noticed in the software center the two progress hours are turning endlessly..
Can that progress be stopped...?

Revision history for this message
Sam_ (and-sam) said :
#18

Run in a terminal:
ps aux | grep software

The process number (pid) is on second position. Kill the process by <pid>.
Example:
ps aux | grep gedit
1000 28227 17.1 1.1 1234587 89663 ? Sl 18:14 0:15 gedit

kill -9 28227

http://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/kill-process-in-linux-or-terminate-a-process-in-unix-or-linux-systems/

If unsure just run:
top

This will display currently running processes.

btw. the replies via email incl. citations make a thread unreadable after a while. If possible reply by directly within web browser or avoid citations. Thanks.

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#19

Result. No such process...is this correct...?
thanks

charles@ubuntu:~$ ps aux | grep gedit
charles 2272 0.0 0.0 3888 816 pts/2 S+ 10:49 0:00 grep
--color=auto gedit
charles@ubuntu:~$ kill -9 2272
bash: kill: (2272) - No such process
charles@ubuntu:~$

On Wed, 2012-06-20 at 13:45 +0000, Sam_ wrote:
> Your question #200885 on apt in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apt/+question/200885
>
> Status: Open => Answered
>
> Sam_ proposed the following answer:
> Run in a terminal:
> ps aux | grep software
>
> The process number (pid) is on second position. Kill the process by <pid>.
> Example:
> ps aux | grep gedit
> 1000 28227 17.1 1.1 1234587 89663 ? Sl 18:14 0:15 gedit
>
> kill -9 28227
>
> http://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/kill-process-in-linux-or-terminate-a
> -process-in-unix-or-linux-systems/
>
> If unsure just run:
> top
>
> This will display currently running processes.
>
> btw. the replies via email incl. citations make a thread unreadable
> after a while. If possible reply by directly within web browser or avoid
> citations. Thanks.
>

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#20

From all the messages over the last two days it is apparent that the software center is
attempting to install OpenOffice from a ppa.
I have deleted the ppas in the Software Center- Software Sources- Other Software,
ended the process, removed and deleted, Killed pid, ran dpkg, and configured.
After all this the little arrows in the Ubuntu Software Center go round and round trying
to install OpenOffice. I see all the OpenOffice color icons in the Dash but the program
does not work because it apparently is only partially installed. The Update Manger does not
work "caused by: A previous upgrade which didn't complete; Problems with some installed software
etc.
Is there a way to stop this process from installing or refreshing the software Center...?
Nothing seems to work.
thanks

Revision history for this message
Sam_ (and-sam) said :
#21

Did you reboot after removing the lock?

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#22

Yes I rebooted after the commands.

On Wed, 2012-06-20 at 17:21 +0000, Sam_ wrote:
> Your question #200885 on apt in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apt/+question/200885
>
> Sam_ posted a new comment:
> Did you reboot after removing the lock?
>

Revision history for this message
Sam_ (and-sam) said :
#23

Are you saying after reboot software-center is still running and trying to install openoffice?

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#24

YES...those little arrows in the software center
are going round and round (about 10hrs) like loading or installing
something...even after many re-boots...strange right... ?

The attached screen shot is the same after all the "kills,
deletes and removes..."?

On Wed, 2012-06-20 at 20:26 +0000, Sam_ wrote:
> Your question #200885 on apt in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apt/+question/200885
>
> Sam_ posted a new comment:
> Are you saying after reboot software-center is still running and trying
> to install openoffice?
>

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#25

Yes...something is installing in the software center (that's what the error message says) and I assume is not letting me install or delete any programs or use the update manager...
When I run the following command (after all the deletes,kills, re-boots, etc.) I get the following message:
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
[sudo] password for charles:
dpkg: error: dpkg status database is locked by another process
charles@ubuntu:~$

thanks

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#26

charles@ubuntu:~$ ps aux | grep software
root 2285 0.0 0.6 29320 14340 ? S 11:33 0:00 python /usr/lib/software-properties/software-properties-dbus
charles 5162 10.2 5.1 322988 104992 ? Sl 19:35 0:52 /usr/bin/python /usr/bin/software-center
charles 5469 0.0 0.0 3892 812 pts/2 S+ 19:44 0:00 grep --color=auto software
charles@ubuntu:~$ kill -9 29320
bash: kill: (29320) - No such process
charles@ubuntu:~$ kill -9 14340
bash: kill: (14340) - No such process
charles@ubuntu:~$ kill -9 322988
bash: kill: (322988) - No such process
charles@ubuntu:~$ kill -9 104992
bash: kill: (104992) - No such process
charles@ubuntu:~$ kill -9 3892
bash: kill: (3892) - No such process
charles@ubuntu:~$ kill -9 5469
bash: kill: (5469) - No such process
charles@ubuntu:~$

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#27

charles@ubuntu:~$ ps -ef | grep dpkg
root 2137 2126 0 07:18 pts/1 00:00:00 /usr/bin/dpkg
--status-fd 14 --configure -a --force-confdef --force-confold
root 2142 2137 0 07:19 pts/1
00:00:00 /bin/sh /var/lib/dpkg/info/openoffice.postinst configure
charles 2269 2202 0 07:20 pts/2 00:00:00 grep --color=auto dpkg
charles@ubuntu:~$

On Tue, 2012-06-19 at 15:41 +0000, actionparsnip wrote:
> Your question #200885 on Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+question/200885
>
> Status: Open => Needs information
>
> actionparsnip requested more information:
> ps -ef | grep dpkg
>
> What is output?
>

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said :
#28

sudo kill -9 2137

Should do it

Revision history for this message
Sam_ (and-sam) said :
#29

clombard, thanks for terminal outputs.
As #26 shows you didn't kill process numbers, hence no wonder software apps still running.
As mentioned in #18 the process number (pid) is the second position after user, even given an example which one the <pid> is.

#26 relevant output was:
~$ ps aux | grep software
root 2285 0.0 0.6 29320 14340 ? S 11:33 0:00 python /usr/lib/software-properties/software-properties-dbus
charles 5162 10.2 5.1 322988 104992 ? Sl 19:35 0:52 /usr/bin/python /usr/bin/software-center

Please visualize where the pid is:
root 2285 <- this number is the process id (pid)
charles 5162 <- this number is the process id (pid)

What you see there is the first process belongs to root, the second to user charles.
Terminate both in a terminal:
sudo kill -9 2285
kill -9 5162

Next.

#27 relevant output was:
~$ ps -ef | grep dpkg
root 2137 2126 0 07:18 pts/1 00:00:00 /usr/bin/dpkg
root 2142 2137 0 07:19 pts/1 var/lib/dpkg/info/openoffice.postinst

Visualize:
root 2137 <- this number is the process id (pid)
root 2142 <- this number is the process id (pid)

Terminate both:
sudo kill -9 2137
sudo kill -9 2142

Verify the processes are terminated, either apply your cmds again or use system-monitor if you prefer the GUI.

Keep all package management GUIs closed and only work from terminal:
sudo dpkg --configure -a
sudo apt-get clean
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo apt-get -f install

Remember to disable the ppa.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Repositories/Ubuntu#Removing_.26_Disabling_Repositories

In case use ppa-purge.
http://askubuntu.com/questions/4983/what-are-ppas-and-how-do-i-use-them/91660#91660

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#30

I have killed these same pids over the last few days:
Below is the result of the kill command:

charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo kill -9 2285
[sudo] password for charles:
kill: No such process
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo kill -9 5162
kill: No such process
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo kill -9 2137
kill: No such process
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo kill-9 2142
sudo: kill-9: command not found
charles@ubuntu:~$
_________________________________________________

Next is the result of the other commands
(these also has been done several times over the last few days):

charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
[sudo] password for charles:
dpkg: error: dpkg status database is locked by another process
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get clean
E: Could not get lock /var/cache/apt/archives/lock - open (11: Resource temporarily unavailable)
E: Unable to lock the download directory
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get update
E: Could not get lock /var/lib/apt/lists/lock - open (11: Resource temporarily unavailable)
E: Unable to lock directory /var/lib/apt/lists/
E: Could not get lock /var/lib/dpkg/lock - open (11: Resource temporarily unavailable)
E: Unable to lock the administration directory (/var/lib/dpkg/), is another process using it?
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get upgrade
E: Could not get lock /var/lib/dpkg/lock - open (11: Resource temporarily unavailable)
E: Unable to lock the administration directory (/var/lib/dpkg/), is another process using it?
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get -f install
E: Could not get lock /var/lib/dpkg/lock - open (11: Resource temporarily unavailable)
E: Unable to lock the administration directory (/var/lib/dpkg/), is another process using it?
charles@ubuntu:~$

It appears nothing works...?
thanks
_________________________________________

On Thu, 2012-06-21 at 13:41 +0000, Sam_ wrote:
> Your question #200885 on apt in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apt/+question/200885
>
> Sam_ proposed the following answer:
> clombard, thanks for terminal outputs.
> As #26 shows you didn't kill process numbers, hence no wonder software apps still running.
> As mentioned in #18 the process number (pid) is the second position after user, even given an example which one the <pid> is.
>
> #26 relevant output was:
> ~$ ps aux | grep software
> root 2285 0.0 0.6 29320 14340 ? S 11:33 0:00 python /usr/lib/software-properties/software-properties-dbus
> charles 5162 10.2 5.1 322988 104992 ? Sl 19:35 0:52 /usr/bin/python /usr/bin/software-center
>
> Please visualize where the pid is:
> root 2285 <- this number is the process id (pid)
> charles 5162 <- this number is the process id (pid)
>
> What you see there is the first process belongs to root, the second to user charles.
> Terminate both in a terminal:
> sudo kill -9 2285
> kill -9 5162
>
> Next.
>
> #27 relevant output was:
> ~$ ps -ef | grep dpkg
> root 2137 2126 0 07:18 pts/1 00:00:00 /usr/bin/dpkg
> root 2142 2137 0 07:19 pts/1 var/lib/dpkg/info/openoffice.postinst
>
> Visualize:
> root 2137 <- this number is the process id (pid)
> root 2142 <- this number is the process id (pid)
>
> Terminate both:
> sudo kill -9 2137
> sudo kill -9 2142
>
> Verify the processes are terminated, either apply your cmds again or use
> system-monitor if you prefer the GUI.
>
> Keep all package management GUIs closed and only work from terminal:
> sudo dpkg --configure -a
> sudo apt-get clean
> sudo apt-get update
> sudo apt-get upgrade
> sudo apt-get -f install
>
> Remember to disable the ppa.
> https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Repositories/Ubuntu#Removing_.26_Disabling_Repositories
>
> In case use ppa-purge.
> http://askubuntu.com/questions/4983/what-are-ppas-and-how-do-i-use-them/91660#91660
>

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#31

Re-booted and issued the same commands with the results below:
Strange pid #s show up as process then when Kill -9
"no such process" ..."locked by another process"

charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo kill -9 2285
[sudo] password for charles:
kill: No such process
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo kill -9 5162
kill: No such process
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo kill -9 2137
kill: No such process
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo kill -9 2142
kill: No such process
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
dpkg: error: dpkg status database is locked by another process
charles@ubuntu:~$

Revision history for this message
Sam_ (and-sam) said :
#32

> Re-booted and issued the same commands

You're sure the process id's are the same after reboot?

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#33

I just ran the commands and got the following resluts:

charles@ubuntu:~$ ps -ef |grep dpkg
root 2093 2070 0 13:15 pts/2 00:00:00 /usr/bin/dpkg
--status-fd 14 --configure -a --force-confdef --force-confold
root 2095 2093 0 13:15 pts/2
00:00:00 /bin/sh /var/lib/dpkg/info/openoffice.postinst configure
charles 4030 3969 0 13:53 pts/3 00:00:00 grep --color=auto dpkg
charles@ubuntu:~$

On Thu, 2012-06-21 at 18:36 +0000, Sam_ wrote:
> Your question #200885 on apt in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apt/+question/200885
>
> Sam_ posted a new comment:
> > Re-booted and issued the same commands
>
> You're sure the process id's are the same after reboot?
>

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#34

Still getting this message.

charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
[sudo] password for charles:
Setting up openoffice (3.4~precise) ...
replace /opt/openoffice.org/basis3.4/help/en/default.css? [y]es, [n]o,
[A]ll, [N]one, [r]ename:

On Thu, 2012-06-21 at 18:36 +0000, Sam_ wrote:
> Your question #200885 on apt in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apt/+question/200885
>
> Sam_ posted a new comment:
> > Re-booted and issued the same commands
>
> You're sure the process id's are the same after reboot?
>

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#35

Ok the software Center seems like it is not installing anything
the little revolving progress arrows have gone.
But the machine will not update and on partial update
hangs up on "setting up openoffice" (screenshot attached).
Latest output:
charles@ubuntu:~$ ps -ef |grep dpkg
root 3322 3302 0 15:03 pts/1 00:00:00 /usr/bin/dpkg
--configure -a
root 3324 3322 0 15:03 pts/1
00:00:00 /bin/sh /var/lib/dpkg/info/openoffice.postinst configure
charles 3539 3480 0 15:19 pts/2 00:00:00 grep --color=auto dpkg
charles@ubuntu:~$
 After Kill:
charles@ubuntu:~$ ps -ef | grep dpkg
charles 3699 3643 0 15:23 pts/1 00:00:00 grep --color=auto dpkg
charles@ubuntu:~$

thanks

On Thu, 2012-06-21 at 18:36 +0000, Sam_ wrote:
> Your question #200885 on apt in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apt/+question/200885
>
> Sam_ posted a new comment:
> > Re-booted and issued the same commands
>
> You're sure the process id's are the same after reboot?
>

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#36

Still locked by another process...?
Do I have to delete this dual boot 12.04 O/S
to get rid of this other process...Nothing seems
to unlock it...?
Here is current output:

charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dpkg -r openoffice.org
[sudo] password for charles:
dpkg: error: dpkg status database is locked by another process
charles@ubuntu:~$

On Thu, 2012-06-21 at 18:36 +0000, Sam_ wrote:
> Your question #200885 on apt in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apt/+question/200885
>
> Sam_ posted a new comment:
> > Re-booted and issued the same commands
>
> You're sure the process id's are the same after reboot?
>

Revision history for this message
Manfred Hampl (m-hampl) said :
#37

Have you provided an answer to the question

charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
[sudo] password for charles:
Setting up openoffice (3.4~precise) ...
replace /opt/openoffice.org/basis3.4/help/en/default.css? [y]es, [n]o,
[A]ll, [N]one, [r]ename:

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said :
#38

I'd go with yes

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#39

Yes I provided several different answers then it just
hangs for hours.
thanks

On Fri, 2012-06-22 at 10:45 +0000, Manfred Hampl wrote:
> Your question #200885 on apt in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apt/+question/200885
>
> Status: Open => Needs information
>
> Manfred Hampl requested more information:
> Have you provided an answer to the question
>
> charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
> [sudo] password for charles:
> Setting up openoffice (3.4~precise) ...
> replace /opt/openoffice.org/basis3.4/help/en/default.css? [y]es, [n]o,
> [A]ll, [N]one, [r]ename:
>

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#40

I tried several answers...nothing works.
Usually when there is a question like password?
the prompt comes back then you provide an answer.
This question just seems to hang in the middle
and regardless of what you enter just hangs up.
thanks.

On Fri, 2012-06-22 at 10:51 +0000, actionparsnip wrote:
> Your question #200885 on apt in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apt/+question/200885
>
> Status: Needs information => Answered
>
> actionparsnip proposed the following answer:
> I'd go with yes
>

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#41

Sometimes over the past few days the same
input provides different output; example this
morning below:

charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
[sudo] password for charles:
dpkg: error: dpkg status database is locked by another process
charles@ubuntu:~$

On Fri, 2012-06-22 at 10:45 +0000, Manfred Hampl wrote:
> Your question #200885 on apt in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apt/+question/200885
>
> Status: Open => Needs information
>
> Manfred Hampl requested more information:
> Have you provided an answer to the question
>
> charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
> [sudo] password for charles:
> Setting up openoffice (3.4~precise) ...
> replace /opt/openoffice.org/basis3.4/help/en/default.css? [y]es, [n]o,
> [A]ll, [N]one, [r]ename:
>

Revision history for this message
Manfred Hampl (m-hampl) said :
#42

The error message "dpkg: error: dpkg status database is locked by another process" is shown whenever you try to start a package management task at the time when there is another package management program already running. Such programs are update-manager, software-center, synaptic, apt-get or dpkg.

So whenever you try some activity (like dpkg --configure -a) make sure that there is no other package management program running. If there is another one running and you cannot find it, you can find out the process by issuing some commands like "ps aux | grep ..." or "sudo fuser -vki /var/lib/dpkg/lock"

I want to recommend the following:
1. make sure there is no other package management program running
2. open a terminal and issue the command "sudo dpkg --configure -a"
3. carefully watch all output and provide answers to the questions if asked
4. copy all output and paste it into this question thread

If that again fails, you should reboot your computer and follow the instructions in https://help.ubuntu.com/community/PackageManagerTroubleshootingProcedure/ with the only exception that in step 6 you should not create a new question, but continue in this question thread.

Revision history for this message
Sam_ (and-sam) said :
#43

@ #33
When comparing the outputs with previous it's obvious that process numbers change after reboot.
Hence when you always issue the same process numbers then of course the answer is 'kill: No such process'.
Processes have new id numbers after reboot, i.e. you need to grep the process id number again in order to kill the correct process id.

@ #36
> Do I have to delete this dual boot 12.04 O/S to get rid of this other process...

When using a ppa to install openoffice leads to a new installation of the whole OS that would be a sad outcome.
Depends on cause-benefit and subjective pain threshold, since three days you're trying to kill processes which don't let you proceed with updating and installing a single package. Let your personal preference vote.

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#44

Kill process then eventually part of that question
appears and then just just hangs.
Re-boot then kill again
then the same round and round results
below:
thanks

charles@ubuntu:~$ ps -ef | grep dpkg
root 2190 2173 0 11:32 pts/2 00:00:00 /usr/bin/dpkg
--status-fd 14 --configure -a --force-confdef --force-confold
root 2198 2190 0 11:32 pts/2
00:00:00 /bin/sh /var/lib/dpkg/info/openoffice.postinst configure
charles 2224 1996 0 11:34 pts/0 00:00:00 grep --color=auto dpkg
charles@ubuntu:~$ kill -9 2173
bash: kill: (2173) - Operation not permitted
charles@ubuntu:~$ kill -9 2190
bash: kill: (2190) - Operation not permitted
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo fuser -vki /var/lib/dpkg/lock
                     USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
/var/lib/dpkg/lock: root 2190 F.... dpkg
Kill process 2190 ? (y/N) y
charles@ubuntu:~$ ps -ef | grep dpkg
charles 2228 1996 0 11:35 pts/0 00:00:00 grep --color=auto dpkg
charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
Setting up openoffice (3.4~precise) ...
replace /opt/openoffice.org/basis3.4/help/en/default.css? [y]es, [n]o,
[A]ll, [N]one, [r]ename: y
replace /opt/openoffice.org/basis3.4/help/en/err.html? [y]es, [n]o,
[A]ll, [N]one, [r]ename:

On Fri, 2012-06-22 at 12:50 +0000, Manfred Hampl wrote:
> Your question #200885 on apt in Ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apt/+question/200885
>
> Status: Open => Answered
>
> Manfred Hampl proposed the following answer:
> The error message "dpkg: error: dpkg status database is locked by
> another process" is shown whenever you try to start a package management
> task at the time when there is another package management program
> already running. Such programs are update-manager, software-center,
> synaptic, apt-get or dpkg.
>
> So whenever you try some activity (like dpkg --configure -a) make sure
> that there is no other package management program running. If there is
> another one running and you cannot find it, you can find out the process
> by issuing some commands like "ps aux | grep ..." or "sudo fuser -vki
> /var/lib/dpkg/lock"
>
> I want to recommend the following:
> 1. make sure there is no other package management program running
> 2. open a terminal and issue the command "sudo dpkg --configure -a"
> 3. carefully watch all output and provide answers to the questions if asked
> 4. copy all output and paste it into this question thread
>
> If that again fails, you should reboot your computer and follow the
> instructions in
> https://help.ubuntu.com/community/PackageManagerTroubleshootingProcedure/
> with the only exception that in step 6 you should not create a new
> question, but continue in this question thread.
>

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#45

Nothing seems to be able to kill this mysterous "Locked other process" that has my Ubuntu 12.04 unresponsive. I can not install, remove or update any software.
As mentioned in the orginal question this all came about from my trying to install OpenOffice using ppa.
After four days of commands etc it seems I must reluctantly now start the backup of 30 or 40Gb of data, trash this copy of 12.04, reinstall using wubi then setup all programs.
Is it possible that this experience may yield a new "status" in the launchpad: "UnSolvable"?
Thanks for all your time and help.

Revision history for this message
Sam_ (and-sam) said :
#46

It might be solvable by beeing patient, reading outputs correctly and issueing the right commands.
Example output from #44
root 2190 2173 0 11:32 pts/2 00:00:00 /usr/bin/dpkg --status-fd 14 --configure -a --force-confdef --force-confold
root 2198 2190 0 11:32 pts/2 00:00:00 /bin/sh /var/lib/dpkg/info/openoffice.postinst configure
charles@ubuntu:~$ kill -9 2173
bash: kill: (2173) - Operation not permitted
charles@ubuntu:~$ kill -9 2190
bash: kill: (2190) - Operation not permitted

#29 explained which position a process number and where the owner is.
Your first attempt shows you've selected the wrong pid.
Your second attempt shows you've selected the correct pid, but overlooked that the process owner is root.

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#47

Ok...thanks. What command should I issue to stop this now...?

charles@ubuntu:~$ ps -ef | grep dpkg
root 2338 1 0 16:46 ? 00:00:00 /bin/sh /var/lib/dpkg/info/nautilus-dropbox.postinst configure
charles 2409 2353 0 16:48 pts/3 00:00:00 grep --color=auto dpkg
charles@ubuntu:~$
Can I issue two commands in the same line or seperated by ...?

In #29 Terminate both in a terminal:
sudo kill -9 2285
kill -9 5162

Terminate both:
sudo kill -9 2137
sudo kill -9 2142

How do I put two commands in terminal ...or is it one at a time...?

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#48

I believe I issued the correct commands. now I get : ( the root line is gone)

charles@ubuntu:~$ ps -ef | grep dpkg
charles 2423 2357 0 17:23 pts/3 00:00:00 grep --color=auto dpkg
charles@ubuntu:~$

 But the software center is still loading and will not allow any removes or installs...?
There are no ppa or other software

Revision history for this message
clombard (clombard44) said :
#49

Now it is trying to load dropBox. it gets up to 99% then locks.
I believe I killed that process...?
the following is the output:

charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo fuser -vki /var/lib/dpkg/lock
charles@ubuntu:~$ ps -ef | grep dpkg
charles 2291 2221 0 17:40 pts/0 00:00:00 grep --color=auto dpkg

charles@ubuntu:~$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
Setting up nautilus-dropbox (0.7.1-2) ...

Downloading Dropbox... 99% to share and store your files online. Want to learn more? Head to http://www.dropbox.com/

Revision history for this message
actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said :
#50

Can you help with this problem?

Provide an answer of your own, or ask clombard for more information if necessary.

To post a message you must log in.