Ubuntu Software Center doesn't work

[david10p]

Last time I tried downloading and installing updates to Ubuntu on my computer, the update failed randomly. I restarted the computer and tried running the updates again, and same error happened. I didn't have enough time to deal with it at the moment so I ignored it. Two days later I tried opening the Ubuntu Software Center and it starts loading and then it crashes on me, every time, before it even starts up. I tried reinstalling Software Center and this is what I get:

david10p@ubuntu:~$ sudo apt-get install --reinstall software-center
[sudo] password for david10p:
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_precise_restricted _binary-amd64_Packages
E: The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened.
david10p@ubuntu:~$

..


Also, I can't update anything on the machine anymore. And this is the error I get:

'E:Encountered a section with no Package: header, Eroblem with MergeList /var/lib/apt/lists/archive.ubuntu.com_ubuntu_dists_precise_restricted _binary-amd64_Packages, E:The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened.'


Can any one please help me solve these two problems? Thanks.