Ubuntu
unity package

Need to reinstall Unity Desktop after Synaptic upgrade

Asked by P J Reil

I guess I goofed up, big time!

In my continuing attempt to learn about my new Linux system I read somewhere that some Ubuntu 12.10 users find the Synaptic Software Center a better choice than the Ubuntu Software Center. So, I checked it out.

While in the Synaptic Center I hit the "check for upgrade" button and was promptly presented with a list of upgrades. Unfortunately, I installed them without fully understanding what would happen. When the upgrading finished I found that my Unity Desktop had been completly removed and I had some other desktop installed. When I tried to log out and back in to Ubuntu the Ubuntu choice had vanished from my log in menu choices.

I've tried to reinstall Unity in both software centers but it won't reinstall due to dependancies. I don't want to reinstall the entire system from the live dvd and start all over again with getting my 12.10 back to how I had it. Is there any way for me to reinstall my Ubuntu/Unity system to it's former state without loosing all my bells and whistles?

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

Try:

sudo apt-get --reinstall install gnome-control-center-unity libmeanwhile1libunity-core-6.0-5 libunity-misc4 libunity-protocol private0:i386 libunity-webapps0 libunity9:i386 unityunity-asset-poolunity-common unity-greeter unity-lens-applications unity-lens-files unity-lens-gwibber unity-lens-music unity-lens-photos unity-lens-torrents unity-lens-video unity-scope-gdocs unity-scope-video-remote unity-services unity-webapps-common unity-webapps-service

I assume 32bit OS.

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#2

That's one BIG command, should reinstall all the Unity stuff and be ok.

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P J Reil (preil65) said : 		#3

I've got a 64 bit installation.

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#4

Try:

sudo apt-get --reinstall install unity unity-asset-pool unity-common unity-greeter unity-lens-applications unity-lens-files unity-lens-music unity-lens-torrents unity-lens-video unity-scope-video-remote unity-services

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P J Reil (preil65) said : 		#5

Andrew,

Thank you for taking time to help me with my problem.

I entered your suggested command and got the following:

"E: Unable to locate package unity-lens-torrents"

When I try to reinstall from the Ubuntu Software Center I get the following:

"The following packages have unmet dependencies:

unity: Depends: libgcc1 (>= 1:4.1.1) but 1:4.7.2-2ubuntu1 is to be installed
       Depends: libunity-core-6.0-5 (= 6.12.0bzr2951pkg0quantal0) but 6.12.0bzr2951pkg0quantal0 is to be installed
       Depends: libunity-protocol-private0 (>= 6.90.0bzr201pkg0quantal16) but 6.90.0bzr201pkg0quantal16 is to be installed
       Depends: libxfixes3 (>= 1:5.0-4ubuntu1) but 1:5.0-4ubuntu5 is to be installed
       Depends: unity-common (= 6.12.0bzr2951pkg0quantal0) but 6.12.0bzr2951pkg0quantal0 is to be installed
       Depends: compiz-core-abiversion-20121130 but it is a virtual package
       Depends: libnux-abiversion-20121127 but it is a virtual package:"

I don't know how to get these dependencies corrected. I guess I shouldn't have used the Symnaptic Software Center.

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#6

Run:

sudo apt-get install xfce4

log off and log in to the XFCE session then you'll need to uninstall the compiz and unity packages, then reinstall them. May help. I have no idea what you have been doing with your packages but something has gone on to cause this.

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P J Reil (preil65) said : 		#7

Andrew,

Thanks againg for your invaluable help. I did as you advised and returned to the XFCE desktop and tried to reinstall unity and compiz. I got the same results.

I logged out and in to Gnome Classic. I looked around some more and found a page that suggested virtually the same thing you did except that it suggested adding "-f" to the install command.

I opened the terminal and ran,

"sudo apt-get install -f unity"

That did the trick. My Unity is back just as it was prior to my error (what ever it was) and the Ubuntu selection is back in my log in selections. I'll be much more careful using the Synaptic Center in the future.

Thank you very much