"The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened"

[jeffbilling]

I got this error when trying to update - can anyone help please :

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

[MG&TL]

EDIT: I'm an idiot in the mornings. Check the answer given below.

[2F4U]

Try this

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

[jeffbilling]

Many thanks 2F4U.
Sorry for delay in reply but I had used up my months data quota with the downloads!
Worked a treat and everything seems fine.
Jeff

[jeduffey]

This solution worked for me also.

+1 Thanks.

[rckker]

I'm new to Ubuntu and had same problem.
This solved my problem.
Thank.

[glenesis]

Thank you very much!! Fixed me!

[T_u]

Worked for me on 12.04.3! Thanks!