Software Centre authentication error

[swarfega]

Hi all.

First apologies if this is posted in the wrong area.

I recently installed Ubuntu 12.10. I have since added a few repositories while installing various software.

However when I try to install anything from Software Centre I get the following error:


Software can't be installed or removed because the authentication service is not available. (org.freedesktop.PolicyKit.Error.Failed: ('system-bus-name', {'name': ':1.68'}): org.debian.apt.install-or-remove-packages

Can anyone help me remedy this please.

[fantab]

Welcome!

From the Terminal run the following command while connected to internet:


$ sudo apt-get updateAnd then post the output you get here.

Also tell us what Ubuntu you are using.

EDIT: Close "software center" and 'update manager' if they are running, before you run the above command.

[swarfega]

Thanks for getting back to me.

Here is the output from update: http://pastebin.com/41KbfkNG

Im using Ubuntu 12.10 64-bit.

Software I've installed so far includes amarok, nvidia drivers, kde desktop, kkmail, google chrome, vlc, kvirc for starters.

[fantab]

Do you have any incomplete installations? Looks like it to me. From the Terminal run:


sudo dpkg --configure -a

Update UBUNTU using Update-Mangager.

Then check with The Software Center to see if its working again. If yes good. If not then, From terminal run:


$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install idle3

[swarfega]

I followed the instructions and it installed a few python packages.

But I'm still getting the following in software Centre:


Software can't be installed or removed because the authentication service is not available. (org.freedesktop.PolicyKit.Error.Failed: ('system-bus-name', {'name': ':1.88'}): org.debian.apt.install-or-remove-packages

notice the slight difference in the name numeric.

[ibjsb4]

Could be

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/software-center/+bug/1045186

http://askubuntu.com/questions/218961/policykit-error-when-trying-to-install-remove-programs-in-the-software-center

more here

http://www.google.com/search?client=ubuntu&channel=fs&q=Software+can%27t+be+installed+or+removed+because +the+authentication+service+is+not+available&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

[swarfega]

How do I do this:


Add the below line to startup applications.

/usr/lib/policykit-1-gnome/polkit-gnome-authentication-agent-1

[ibjsb4]

How do I do this:

Sorry, I run the Classic desktop and not familiar Unity, but look here.

http://www.googlubuntu.com/results/?cx=006238239194895611142%3Au-ocqbntw_o&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=UTF-8&q=add+startup+app+to+unity&as_qdr=all&sa=Google+Search&lang=en

[swarfega]

Im running kde 4.9.3 :D

[ibjsb4]

Im running kde 4.9.3 :D

Ok, Im still running Classic and not familiar with kde :p

http://www.googlubuntu.com/results/?cx=006238239194895611142%3Au-ocqbntw_o&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=UTF-8&q=add+startup+app+to+kubuntu&as_qdr=all&sa=Google+Search&lang=en&siteurl=http%3A%2F%2Fubuntuforums.org%2Fshowthread .php%3Ft%3D2099334

And welcome to the forums :D

[swarfega]

Thanks for the welcome :D

I think I've managed to locate a place to store auto start items. In kde system config theres an option for startup and shutdown at the bottom of the list.

[swarfega]

After rebooting I can confirm that software centre is now working! Thanks for the help everyone!

[ibjsb4]

Congratulations :)

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UnansweredPostsTeam/SolvedThreads

[quneur]

I rather new to ubuntu so take this at what it's worth. I am having the same problems with not authenticating. I believe it has something to do with the window manager. I use E17 because of the un-windows look and finding it won't allow password authentification in Software Center or in term, ie. sudo software-center. Updates won't work either. I have to log out to default ubuntu (KDE?) in order for everything to work.