[SOLVED] E:Encountered a section with no Package: header, E:Problem with MergeList

[jabrown65]

I am using mythbuntu 8.04 with all updates install (... until this probolem occured this morning...)

However, when I tried to to update using the Update-Manager I got the following error message:

Could not initialize the package information

A unresolvable problem occurred while initializing the package information.

Please report this bug against the 'update-manager' package and include the following error message:

'E:Encountered a section with no Package: header, E:Problem with MergeList /var/lib/apt/lists/archive.ubuntu.com_ubuntu_dists_hardy-updates_multiverse_binary-i386_Packages, E:The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened.'

I tried replacing ../status with ../status-old but the problem remained.

Then I tried apt-get check just to see what would happen, and I basically got the same error:

jbcp@mythbuntu:~$ sudo apt-get check
[sudo] password for jbcp:
Reading package lists... Error!
E: Encountered a section with no Package: header
E: Problem with MergeList /var/lib/apt/lists/archive.ubuntu.com_ubuntu_dists_hardy-updates_multiverse_binary-i386_Packages
E: The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened.
jbcp@mythbuntu:~$

What next?

[jaakan]

try
# sudo dpkg --configure -a
# sudo aptitude update
# sudo aptitude upgrade

you can use apt-get too but I think aptitude is better.

look here too if that doesn't work
http://www.linux.com/articles/48910

[jabrown65]

The dpkg command didn't help. I still get the same error msg when I execute the aptitude (or apt-get) update command.

Other ideas?

[jabrown65]

Actually, just fixed the problem using:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

All good now.

[whoey]

that worked a treat for me too!

[p_breakfast]

Thanks! also worked under GUbuntu 9.04

[olly_roberts]

+1 success here.
cheers.
i do like this ubuntu malarchy, this is the 3rd "issue" ive had, but unlike windows, they are all so easy to sort!

[charlesedwardkelley]

Thanks
sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
Did the trick for me

[amksep]

solved here too.
Ubuntu 9.04
but i wish to know the cause of it.

[mihai007]

Actually, just fixed the problem using:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

All good now.

Worked for me too, I think synaptic should be patched to take care of this without any extra intervention for the user particular issue, as the fix is really straight forward.

[Slide guitar]

Thanks for that.
sudo rm...... followed by sudo apt-get.....
worked the oracle for me.

[astathios]

Actually, just fixed the problem using:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

All good now.

great worked perfect thank you

[guriinii]

Thanks worked a treat.

[richard.scott-ettrick]

Actually, just fixed the problem using:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

All good now.
Brilliant! Worked for me too!!
;)

[jarrarist]

worked like a charm!!

thanks

[redcore]

Actually, just fixed the problem using:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

All good now.
Worked for me too (Linux Mint 8) - Thanks! :)

[Oleglit]

oleg@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get update
Получено:1 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic Release.gpg [189B]
Получено:2 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic/main Translation-ru [329kB]
Получено:3 http://security.ubuntu.com karmic-security Release.gpg [189B]
Получено:4 http://deb.opera.com stable Release.gpg [189B]
Игн http://security.ubuntu.com karmic-security/main Translation-ru
Игн http://deb.opera.com stable/non-free Translation-ru
Игн http://security.ubuntu.com karmic-security/restricted Translation-ru
Получено:5 http://deb.opera.com stable Release [1.067B]
Игн http://security.ubuntu.com karmic-security/universe Translation-ru
Игн http://security.ubuntu.com karmic-security/multiverse Translation-ru
Получено:6 http://security.ubuntu.com karmic-security Release [37,1kB]
Игн http://deb.opera.com stable/non-free Packages
Игн http://deb.opera.com stable/non-free Packages
Получено:7 http://deb.opera.com stable/non-free Packages [861B]
Получено:8 http://security.ubuntu.com karmic-security/main Packages [22,8kB]
Получено:9 http://security.ubuntu.com karmic-security/restricted Packages [14B]
Получено:10 http://security.ubuntu.com karmic-security/main Sources [6.297B]
Получено:11 http://security.ubuntu.com karmic-security/restricted Sources [14B]
Получено:12 http://security.ubuntu.com karmic-security/universe Packages [7.526B]
Получено:13 http://security.ubuntu.com karmic-security/universe Sources [793B]
Получено:14 http://security.ubuntu.com karmic-security/multiverse Packages [14B]
Получено:15 http://security.ubuntu.com karmic-security/multiverse Sources [14B]
Получено:16 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic/restricted Translation-ru [4.099B]
Получено:17 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic/universe Translation-ru [383kB]
Получено:18 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic/multiverse Translation-ru [20,9kB]
Получено:19 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic-updates Release.gpg [189B]
Игн http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic-updates/main Translation-ru
Игн http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic-updates/restricted Translation-ru
Игн http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic-updates/universe Translation-ru
Игн http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic-updates/multiverse Translation-ru
Получено:20 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic Release [65,9kB]
Получено:21 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic-updates Release [44,1kB]
Получено:22 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic/main Packages [1.353kB]
Получено:23 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic/restricted Packages [7.971B]
Получено:24 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic/main Sources [640kB]
Получено:25 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic/restricted Sources [3.270B]
Получено:26 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic/universe Packages [5.133kB]
Получено:27 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic/universe Sources [2.795kB]
Получено:28 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic/multiverse Packages [190kB]
Получено:29 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic/multiverse Sources [116kB]
Получено:30 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic-updates/main Packages [103kB]
Получено:31 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic-updates/restricted Packages [14B]
Получено:32 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic-updates/main Sources [30,8kB]
Получено:33 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic-updates/restricted Sources [14B]
Получено:34 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic-updates/universe Packages [60,8kB]
Получено:35 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic-updates/universe Sources [13,3kB]
Получено:36 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic-updates/multiverse Packages [1.616B]
Получено:37 http://ru.archive.ubuntu.com karmic-updates/multiverse Sources [1.223B]
Получено 11,4MБ за 1мин 31с (124kБ/c)
Чтение списков пакетов... Ошибка!
E: Encountered a section with no Package: header
E: Problem with MergeList /var/lib/dpkg/status
E: Списки пакетов или status-файл не могут быть открыты или прочитаны.

[ni_shi2005]

me toooo!! mee toooo
i mean this thing " sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf " saved me too :)

[Dalston]

Thanks this worked for me too.

[markofealing]

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf

Thanks also worked for me on Kubuntu 8.10 and stopped my CPU hitting 100% utilisation with nothing running after failing to do an update.

[captivus]

Deleting the list cache didn't seem to work for me. I actually had to restore my /var/lib/dpkg/status-old file, as it seemed mine was corrupt. This fixed the problem, though:

sudo mv /var/lib/dpkg/status /var/lib/dpkg/status-RENAMED
sudo cp /var/lib/dpkg/status-old /var/lib/dpkg/status
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgradeCheers,

captivus

[slotto]

Actually, just fixed the problem using:
<snip>


Thanks Bro!

[SabreWolfy]

Thanks. Removing the files worked for me too after a Lucid to Maverick upgrade.

[wi0]

Me too (Ubuntu 10.10)! Thanks.

[concept08]

Reading package lists... Error!
E: Problem parsing dependency Depends
E: Error occurred while processing libgutenprintui2-1 (NewVersion1)
E: Problem with MergeList /var/lib/apt/lists/us.archive.ubuntu.com_ubuntu_dists_lucid_main_bina ry-i386_Packages
E: The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened.


sudo mv /var/lib/dpkg/status /var/lib/dpkg/status-RENAMED

sudo cp /var/lib/dpkg/status-old /var/lib/dpkg/status
sudo rm -f /var/lib/dpkg/lock

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
added to apt.conf.d
APT::Cache-Limit="2516582";
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade

i have tried all of this and it does not seem to work for this problem
Ubuntu 10.04 LTS
- the Lucid Lynx
updated firefox last night and today i cant install or update anything else.

thanks for the help

[dimas11]

I am using Ubuntu 10.10 and rm command did the trick for me as well. Thanks.

[dimas11]

I am using Ubuntu 10.10 and rm command did the trick for me as well. Thanks.

[dimas11]

I am using Ubuntu 10.10 and rm command did the trick for me as well. Thanks.

[Gerroo]

A BIG THANK YOU to you from Bahrain, worked here as well, long time after the firs post. Feals good to be back after many years of winscrap.

[C64HCS]

Yop, thank you so much captivus! Worked 100% for me.
;)


Cheers,
C64HCS

[cooldamage]

Actually, just fixed the problem using:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

All good now.


Works great for me in Maverick Meerkat.

=D> =D> =D> =D> =D>

[r94851486]

Hi.. It worked for me too... :) :D Thx....:o

[doogiekd]

worked for me as well.

thanks!

[Dutch70]

Still working in 11.04 beta!!! :D

[daniel.s3000]

It didn't work for me, this is the error I was getting and I got it again after using the rm procedure and updating apt-get:

E: Encountered a section with no Package: header
E: Problem with MergeList /var/lib/apt/lists/dl.google.com_linux_chrome_deb_dists_stable_main_b inary-amd64_Packages
E: The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened.



I'm using 11.04 Beta2

[phifgo]

It doesn't work 4 me too
Natty Beta 2
E: Encountered a section with no Package: header
E: Problem with MergeList /var/lib/apt/lists/mirror.rootguide.org_ubuntu_dists_natty_multiverse _binary-i386_Packages
E: The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened.

[haddog]

Worked for me today also in 11.04/Natty Beta 2. Thanx!

[phifgo]

I had to remove the rootguide repo from /etc/apt/source.list and it worked! thanks

[narendraD]

Used this method to be able to update my brand new install of 11.04 i386.

Any idea why this issue comes up.

[حسان]

that woked with me on ubuntu 11.04 natty i386

but i've a question how could i get the log that contain my last problems ?

tahnk you very much

[Tesla Trooper]

Actually, just fixed the problem using:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

All good now.
worked like all above
in UBUNTU NN 11.04!!
that's turned into an "ancient bug" like these black ones from The Mummy movie!

[tushargkwd]

Originally Posted by jabrown65 http://ubuntuforums.org/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=5415838#post5415838)
Actually, just fixed the problem using:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

All good now.

------------------------------
Worked Like a Charm for me.......a big thanks to you !!!

[ghauff]

Actually, just fixed the problem using:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

All good now.
thanks this worked ubuntu 11.04

[quack]

Interestingly the same fix solved the same problem for a Nokia N900.

I guess Maemo and Ubuntu aren't that many miles apart, and I love having a phone I can run apt-get on :-)

[olof_]

problem solved for me too. Using Ubuntu 11.04

[aduff]

Worked for me too .....3 years after the original solution

[dg4345]

Perfect! Thank you very much!!!:P

[itbcn8]

worked for me!
Linux Mint Debian Edition.

Love Linux, problems always have a logical solution and the crowd-sourced knowledge of every distribution all help each other. :)

<3 u Ubuntu guys, even though LM is better ;) <3

[lastbalance]

It works. Thank you.

Ubuntu 11.04

[dg4345]

It works, but every time I reboot my system I have the same problem. Any Ideas?

[mnabeel]

Actually, just fixed the problem using:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

All good now.

:)

Worked out for me too.

Three cheers. Thanks.

[imurphy]

worked for me too in ubuntu 11.04

[skvivian]

Has anyone found a more permanent solution to this? I've already increased the cache size, but it didn't seem to help.

[shehzad]

Deleting the lists files solves the problem, but still needs permanent solution.

[livetobefree]

Hello,

I know that version 10.04 is no longer supported. I did not update my system before it became unsupported (probably update in early April or late march?) \
Anyway I went to update and I encountered problems installing packages, heres what I got;

Encountered a section with no Package: header
E: Problem with MergeList /var/lib/dpkg/status
E: The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened.


sudo dpkg --configure -a
dpkg: parse error, in file '/var/lib/dpkg/status' near line 7893 package 'python-egenix-mxdatetime':
field name `bdates' must be followed by colon



I cannot at this time update or upgrade from the UPDATE MANAGER at all.

I have read several theards, but none that seemed to be directed at version 10.04

any advice would be great.

[tgm4883]

Hello,

I know that version 10.04 is no longer supported. I did not update my system before it became unsupported (probably update in early April or late march?) \
Anyway I went to update and I encountered problems installing packages, heres what I got;

Encountered a section with no Package: header
E: Problem with MergeList /var/lib/dpkg/status
E: The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened.


sudo dpkg --configure -a
dpkg: parse error, in file '/var/lib/dpkg/status' near line 7893 package 'python-egenix-mxdatetime':
field name `bdates' must be followed by colon



I cannot at this time update or upgrade from the UPDATE MANAGER at all.

I have read several theards, but none that seemed to be directed at version 10.04

any advice would be great.

10.04 is LTS, and supported for 3 years on the desktop and 5 years on the server. You still have another year of support. Are you getting the error message in the title of this thread? If not, you need to open a new thread.

[skvivian]

Hello,

I know that version 10.04 is no longer supported. I did not update my system before it became unsupported (probably update in early April or late march?) \
Anyway I went to update and I encountered problems installing packages, heres what I got;

Encountered a section with no Package: header
E: Problem with MergeList /var/lib/dpkg/status
E: The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened.


sudo dpkg --configure -a
dpkg: parse error, in file '/var/lib/dpkg/status' near line 7893 package 'python-egenix-mxdatetime':
field name `bdates' must be followed by colon



I cannot at this time update or upgrade from the UPDATE MANAGER at all.

I have read several theards, but none that seemed to be directed at version 10.04

any advice would be great.

I think your problem is different. This thread is focused on a problem with apt, not dpkg. The dpkg parse error message you posted does seem to hint at what you might try correcting, though.

[vanquishedangel]

Hi, This fixed worked great in Lubuntu 11.04 Thank you for the posting of it.

[wamarobert]

.:: According to my books the update-manager had broken down and needed to be patched...hence the code.

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

R. Bakyayita

[Demetris Tziambazis]

DIdnt worked for me... :( damn!!
got: "E: Unable to locate package update"

anyone?? newbie here! got 11.04

[akannankeril]

worked for me in ubuntu 11.04! thanks!

[nits.]

finally apt-get is working! and so is update manager.

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf

worked for me too...11.04
thanks!

[Imachin]

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

Bullseye!! It worked on Ubuntu 11.04 USB Live!!!

Thanks a lot

[jimfromtexas]

works on debian too!
Thanks

[chopurtito]

Actually, just fixed the problem using:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

All good now.

thank you so much, problem solved!!!!!

[Kralnor]

Actually, just fixed the problem using:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

All good now.

Worked for me in Ubuntu 11.04. Thanks!

[alesha]

worked for me too! Ubuntu 11.04

Thank you very much!!

[S1gurd]

I am running 10.04 server, and this was a difficult scenerio. I started with an old HP DX2200 PC, which I have never espeically liked, but it is what I have to work with. Couldn't get a boot CD to work because of a proprietary memory problem involving failure of the RAMDISK, and the work around was to plug the drive into another machine and use Clonezilla to snap the image on, then move the drive back. All worked just fine until it was time to update the box. I got the errors described above. Following the advice in this thread and another one I got it to work this way:

sudo rm /var/cache/apt/*.bin
sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf

Had to run both prior to update and upgrade. Working well now. Thanks for all of your help.

[fabiolus]

Hey thanks for the help - solved the same issue on 10.10 Maverick Meerkat

[Shad3y]

Thank you it worked for me too, i been trying to fix this problem for ages.....thanks :)

[littelbro14]

Worked perfectly for me on 11.04! Thank you!

[pulencio]

it worked for me... thanks!

[blackplague1347]

Never had this problem before, but

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vftook care of it.

Thanks!

(11.04)

[T_u]

Actually, just fixed the problem using:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

All good now.

Worked wonders (Ubuntu 11.04)!

Thanx!

[$war00p]

Worked like a charm in ubuntu 11.04 too! thanks. But why did this happen?

[lwfitz]

Actually, just fixed the problem using:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

All good now.

Perfect! Thank you!

[epayen]

Thank you all!! These solved my problem too:


Actually, just fixed the problem using:

sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update

All good now.

You are unique! Merry Christmas.

[gsumners]

Solution still works on Linux Mint 12, which is based on Ubuntu 11.10 - thanks much!