apt-get auto remove doesn't remove all my old kernels

[lazloman]

The title says it all. After a new kernel install, I'm typically told that the previous version is no longer needed and prompted to remove it, but there are still kernels and their other associated images and maps going back, maybe three years. How do I get rid of them? They're clogging up my /boot partition. Do I need to do it manually?
Thanks

[lisati]

What happens when you run...?

sudo apt-get autoremove
Do you get any error messages?

[ian-weisser]

Please show us the output of:

uname -r
ls -l /boot
dpkg -l linux*

[jsavga]

From https://wiki.ubuntu.com/KernelTeam/removing-old-kernels

Apt, and by extension, synaptics and other package handlers, are able to autoremove packages that are considered to be no longer needed. Normally, these older kernels would be tagged and removed from the users system by this mechanism. Problem solved. NO! We cannot remove old kernels because we have no idea which kernels are the one(s) that the user needs or doesn't need. There's nothing saying that the newest X number of kernels actually work, or whether the user has even booted into them. So apt has an exception to not tag linux-image-* packages for autoremoval.

[ian-weisser]

From https://wiki.ubuntu.com/KernelTeam/removing-old-kernels

That page seems last edited in 2008.
Since then, Ubuntu has added a method to identify stale kernels and mark them eligble for autoremoval. See /etc/kernel/postinst.d/apt-auto-removal.

[ubfan1]

Nevertheless, autoremove for old kernels simply does not work for many people. See :https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/unattended-upgrades/+bug/1175637 Yes the correct seeming kernel autoremove file is present in the above mentioned directory, but does nothing for me when I invoke autoremove. Simply purge the old kernels manually:
1)Get a directory of /boot to see which kernels you want to delete.
2) Get a list of all the packages with the kernel number (seems sufficient to limit just to kernel packages, but you will get a confirmation before the purge). For instance using kernel 3.13.0-71: apt-cache pkgnames |grep 3.13.0-71
3)Check the list for just the kernels (never failed for me), and reuse the apt-cache line to regenerate the list in the purge command (or cut and paste). sudo apt-get purge `!!`
4)Confirm the list of package to delete and one old kernel will be completely removed.
Repeat as necessary. You won't gain much time with wild cards to get multiple kernels simultaneously, I just do them one at a time and check carefully.

[ian-weisser]

Simply purge the old kernels manually
Yes, this is the direction we were heading in Post #3.
I think it's prudent to verify that the problem really is old kernels and not something else. There are several possibilities.
We have seen more than a few users destroy their systems by jumping to conclusions.

[pfeiffep]

I know many folks posting here will disagree with my method, but I find after a software upgrade requiring a reboot I use nautilus (gksudo nautilus) to display the contents of /boot and then delete all but the 2 highest numbered files containing the kernel version (example 3.13.0-76-generic). I find this method easy and straight forward. I don't go navigating around with nautilus launched in this manner I exit after I've deleted the files.

Immediately after exit I execute sudo update-grub.

[lazloman]

No errors. I'm either prompted to remove what is seen as removable or nothing.

[ian-weisser]

I use nautilus (gksudo nautilus) to display the contents of /boot and then delete all but the 2 highest numbered files containing the kernel version (example 3.13.0-76-generic).

Well, you are correct about disagreeing. I do not recommend that method, and would not myself use it under any circumstances.

It is most unwise to manually delete files placed by the package manager.
This will surely break your package management at some unpredicatable point in the future, requiring much repair (using confusing, arcane shell voodoo) or a complete reinstall.

Always use the package manager to remove files that were placed by the package manager.

[ian-weisser]

No errors. I'm either prompted to remove what is seen as removable or nothing.

We will happily review the proposed removals, if you wish. We would need to see the output.

[lazloman]

lorenzot@Hedley:~$ uname -r
3.13.0-77-generic

ls -l /boot
total 851548
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 730039 Apr 10 2011 abi-2.6.38-8-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 730770 Nov 21 2011 abi-3.0.0-14-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 1165277 Jan 20 06:07 abi-3.13.0-77-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 791326 Jun 14 2012 abi-3.2.0-26-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 791281 Jul 27 2012 abi-3.2.0-29-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 791446 Aug 24 2012 abi-3.2.0-30-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 791446 Sep 7 2012 abi-3.2.0-31-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 792532 Sep 26 2012 abi-3.2.0-32-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 792532 Oct 18 2012 abi-3.2.0-33-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 792587 Nov 15 2012 abi-3.2.0-34-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 792715 Dec 5 2012 abi-3.2.0-35-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 792767 Jan 8 2013 abi-3.2.0-36-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 792767 Jan 24 2013 abi-3.2.0-37-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 792830 Feb 19 2013 abi-3.2.0-38-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 792830 Feb 27 2013 abi-3.2.0-39-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 794933 Mar 25 2013 abi-3.2.0-40-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 794996 Apr 24 2013 abi-3.2.0-41-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 794996 May 14 2013 abi-3.2.0-43-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795146 May 16 2013 abi-3.2.0-44-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795146 May 29 2013 abi-3.2.0-45-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795365 Jun 6 2013 abi-3.2.0-48-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795365 Jun 18 2013 abi-3.2.0-49-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795365 Jul 24 2013 abi-3.2.0-51-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795365 Jul 26 2013 abi-3.2.0-52-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795539 Aug 22 2013 abi-3.2.0-53-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795539 Sep 10 2013 abi-3.2.0-54-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795686 Oct 2 2013 abi-3.2.0-55-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795686 Oct 23 2013 abi-3.2.0-56-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795751 Nov 12 2013 abi-3.2.0-57-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795751 Dec 3 2013 abi-3.2.0-58-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795751 Jan 7 2014 abi-3.2.0-59-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795743 Feb 18 2014 abi-3.2.0-60-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795743 May 2 2014 abi-3.2.0-61-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795911 May 15 2014 abi-3.2.0-63-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795911 Jun 4 2014 abi-3.2.0-64-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795911 Jul 4 2014 abi-3.2.0-65-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 795963 Jul 15 2014 abi-3.2.0-67-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 130313 Apr 10 2011 config-2.6.38-8-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 135131 Nov 21 2011 config-3.0.0-14-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 165918 Jan 20 06:07 config-3.13.0-77-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140454 Jun 14 2012 config-3.2.0-26-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140432 Jul 27 2012 config-3.2.0-29-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140432 Aug 24 2012 config-3.2.0-30-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140459 Sep 7 2012 config-3.2.0-31-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140488 Sep 26 2012 config-3.2.0-32-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140488 Oct 18 2012 config-3.2.0-33-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140505 Nov 15 2012 config-3.2.0-34-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140505 Dec 5 2012 config-3.2.0-35-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140505 Jan 8 2013 config-3.2.0-36-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140505 Jan 24 2013 config-3.2.0-37-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140488 Feb 19 2013 config-3.2.0-38-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140488 Feb 27 2013 config-3.2.0-39-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140586 Mar 25 2013 config-3.2.0-40-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140622 Apr 24 2013 config-3.2.0-41-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140622 May 14 2013 config-3.2.0-43-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140622 May 16 2013 config-3.2.0-44-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140622 May 29 2013 config-3.2.0-45-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140622 Jun 6 2013 config-3.2.0-48-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140622 Jun 18 2013 config-3.2.0-49-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140629 Jul 24 2013 config-3.2.0-51-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140629 Jul 26 2013 config-3.2.0-52-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140629 Aug 22 2013 config-3.2.0-53-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140629 Sep 10 2013 config-3.2.0-54-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140629 Oct 2 2013 config-3.2.0-55-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140629 Oct 23 2013 config-3.2.0-56-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140629 Nov 12 2013 config-3.2.0-57-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140629 Dec 3 2013 config-3.2.0-58-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140629 Jan 7 2014 config-3.2.0-59-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140612 Feb 18 2014 config-3.2.0-60-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140612 May 2 2014 config-3.2.0-61-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140640 May 15 2014 config-3.2.0-63-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140640 Jun 4 2014 config-3.2.0-64-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140640 Jul 4 2014 config-3.2.0-65-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 140641 Jul 15 2014 config-3.2.0-67-generic
drwxr-xr-x 5 root root 12288 Feb 12 19:13 grub
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 12942759 Jan 1 2012 initrd.img-2.6.38-8-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14225784 Jul 8 2012 initrd.img-3.0.0-14-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 19737459 Feb 10 07:05 initrd.img-3.13.0-77-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14587695 Aug 17 2012 initrd.img-3.2.0-26-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14597425 Sep 1 2012 initrd.img-3.2.0-29-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14598641 Sep 7 2012 initrd.img-3.2.0-30-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14603988 Oct 3 2012 initrd.img-3.2.0-31-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14604897 Nov 2 2012 initrd.img-3.2.0-32-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14605191 Nov 16 2012 initrd.img-3.2.0-33-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14605714 Nov 30 2012 initrd.img-3.2.0-34-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14606656 Dec 19 2012 initrd.img-3.2.0-35-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14606350 Jan 18 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-36-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14611609 Feb 8 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-37-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14599941 Mar 15 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-38-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14601656 Mar 29 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-39-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14642937 Apr 12 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-40-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14644164 May 3 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-41-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14645385 May 17 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-43-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14645270 May 24 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-44-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14644961 May 31 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-45-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14644314 Jun 14 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-48-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14645129 Jul 5 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-49-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14644881 Aug 23 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-51-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14645290 Aug 23 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-52-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14645350 Sep 6 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-53-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14646270 Sep 27 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-54-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14648432 Oct 25 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-55-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14648264 Nov 22 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-56-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14649786 Dec 6 2013 initrd.img-3.2.0-57-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14650436 Jan 24 2014 initrd.img-3.2.0-58-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14652195 Feb 21 2014 initrd.img-3.2.0-59-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14652236 Apr 4 2014 initrd.img-3.2.0-60-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14650352 May 9 2014 initrd.img-3.2.0-61-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14653212 Jun 3 2014 initrd.img-3.2.0-63-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14651358 Jun 6 2014 initrd.img-3.2.0-64-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 14635886 Jul 11 2014 initrd.img-3.2.0-65-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 15218312 Aug 20 2014 initrd.img-3.2.0-67-generic
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 176500 Mar 12 2014 memtest86+.bin
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 178176 Mar 12 2014 memtest86+.elf
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 178680 Mar 12 2014 memtest86+_multiboot.bin
-rw------- 1 root root 2654256 Apr 10 2011 System.map-2.6.38-8-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2696015 Nov 21 2011 System.map-3.0.0-14-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 3393097 Jan 20 06:07 System.map-3.13.0-77-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2881851 Jun 14 2012 System.map-3.2.0-26-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2882108 Jul 27 2012 System.map-3.2.0-29-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2883362 Aug 24 2012 System.map-3.2.0-30-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2883401 Sep 7 2012 System.map-3.2.0-31-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2884076 Sep 26 2012 System.map-3.2.0-32-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2884306 Oct 18 2012 System.map-3.2.0-33-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2885127 Nov 15 2012 System.map-3.2.0-34-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2885822 Dec 5 2012 System.map-3.2.0-35-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2886319 Jan 8 2013 System.map-3.2.0-36-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2886103 Jan 24 2013 System.map-3.2.0-37-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2887333 Feb 19 2013 System.map-3.2.0-38-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2888361 Feb 27 2013 System.map-3.2.0-39-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2890703 Mar 25 2013 System.map-3.2.0-40-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2891358 Apr 24 2013 System.map-3.2.0-41-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2891358 May 14 2013 System.map-3.2.0-43-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2891931 May 16 2013 System.map-3.2.0-44-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2891931 May 29 2013 System.map-3.2.0-45-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2893287 Jun 6 2013 System.map-3.2.0-48-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2893287 Jun 18 2013 System.map-3.2.0-49-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2893555 Jul 24 2013 System.map-3.2.0-51-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2893555 Jul 26 2013 System.map-3.2.0-52-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2894361 Aug 22 2013 System.map-3.2.0-53-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2894535 Sep 10 2013 System.map-3.2.0-54-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2895053 Oct 2 2013 System.map-3.2.0-55-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2895053 Oct 23 2013 System.map-3.2.0-56-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2895166 Nov 12 2013 System.map-3.2.0-57-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2895308 Dec 3 2013 System.map-3.2.0-58-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2895419 Jan 7 2014 System.map-3.2.0-59-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2895229 Feb 18 2014 System.map-3.2.0-60-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2895229 May 2 2014 System.map-3.2.0-61-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2896164 May 15 2014 System.map-3.2.0-63-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2896724 Jun 4 2014 System.map-3.2.0-64-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2896866 Jul 4 2014 System.map-3.2.0-65-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 2896997 Jul 15 2014 System.map-3.2.0-67-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 1368 Apr 10 2011 vmcoreinfo-2.6.38-8-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 1367 Nov 21 2011 vmcoreinfo-3.0.0-14-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4523936 Apr 10 2011 vmlinuz-2.6.38-8-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4660944 Nov 21 2011 vmlinuz-3.0.0-14-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 5827168 Jan 20 06:07 vmlinuz-3.13.0-77-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4960080 Jun 14 2012 vmlinuz-3.2.0-26-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4960752 Jul 27 2012 vmlinuz-3.2.0-29-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4963280 Aug 24 2012 vmlinuz-3.2.0-30-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4963792 Sep 7 2012 vmlinuz-3.2.0-31-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4966768 Sep 26 2012 vmlinuz-3.2.0-32-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4966896 Oct 18 2012 vmlinuz-3.2.0-33-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4967632 Nov 15 2012 vmlinuz-3.2.0-34-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4968400 Dec 5 2012 vmlinuz-3.2.0-35-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4969392 Jan 8 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-36-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4969072 Jan 24 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-37-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4968592 Feb 19 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-38-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4971472 Feb 27 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-39-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4974672 Mar 25 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-40-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4975248 Apr 24 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-41-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4974640 May 14 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-43-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4976368 May 16 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-44-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4975696 May 29 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-45-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4978416 Jun 6 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-48-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4978416 Jun 18 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-49-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4978960 Jul 24 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-51-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4978224 Jul 26 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-52-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4980336 Aug 22 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-53-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4980272 Sep 10 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-54-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4981456 Oct 2 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-55-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4980752 Oct 23 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-56-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4981040 Nov 12 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-57-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4983216 Dec 3 2013 vmlinuz-3.2.0-58-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4983888 Jan 7 2014 vmlinuz-3.2.0-59-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4981616 Feb 18 2014 vmlinuz-3.2.0-60-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4982576 May 2 2014 vmlinuz-3.2.0-61-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4985488 May 15 2014 vmlinuz-3.2.0-63-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4986832 Jun 4 2014 vmlinuz-3.2.0-64-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4987152 Jul 4 2014 vmlinuz-3.2.0-65-generic
-rw------- 1 root root 4986960 Jul 15 2014 vmlinuz-3.2.0-67-generic



dpkg -l linux*
Desired=Unknown/Install/Remove/Purge/Hold
| Status=Not/Inst/Conf-files/Unpacked/halF-conf/Half-inst/trig-aWait/Trig-pend
|/ Err?=(none)/Reinst-required (Status,Err: uppercase=bad)
||/ Name Version Architecture Description
+++-========================-=================-=================-================================================== ===
un linux-doc-2.6.38 <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-doc-3.0.0 <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-doc-3.13.0 <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-doc-3.2.0 <none> <none> (no description available)
ii linux-firmware 1.127.20 all Firmware for Linux kernel drivers
ii linux-generic 3.13.0.77.83 amd64 Complete Generic Linux kernel and headers
un linux-headers <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-2.6 <none> <none> (no description available)
ii linux-headers-2.6.38-8 2.6.38-8.42 all Header files related to Linux kernel version 2.6.38
ii linux-headers-2.6.38-8-g 2.6.38-8.42 amd64 Linux kernel headers for version 2.6.38 on x86/x86_64
un linux-headers-3 <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.0 <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-34- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-35- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-36- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-37- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-39- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-40- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-43- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-44- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-45- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-46- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-48- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-49- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-51- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-52- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-53- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-54- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-55- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-57- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-58- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-59- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-61- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-62- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-63- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-65- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-66- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-67- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-68- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-71- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-73- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-74- <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-headers-3.13.0-76- <none> <none> (no description available)
ii linux-headers-3.13.0-77 3.13.0-77.121 all Header files related to Linux kernel version 3.13.0
ii linux-headers-3.13.0-77- 3.13.0-77.121 amd64 Linux kernel headers for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86
ii linux-headers-3.2.0-57 3.2.0-57.87 all Header files related to Linux kernel version 3.2.0
ii linux-headers-3.2.0-57-g 3.2.0-57.87 amd64 Linux kernel headers for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86
ii linux-headers-3.2.0-58 3.2.0-58.88 all Header files related to Linux kernel version 3.2.0
ii linux-headers-3.2.0-58-g 3.2.0-58.88 amd64 Linux kernel headers for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86
ii linux-headers-generic 3.13.0.77.83 amd64 Generic Linux kernel headers
un linux-image <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-image-2.6 <none> <none> (no description available)
ii linux-image-2.6.38-8-gen 2.6.38-8.42 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 2.6.38 on x86/x86_64
un linux-image-3.0 <none> <none> (no description available)
ii linux-image-3.0.0-14-gen 3.0.0-14.23 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.0.0 on x86/x86_64
rc linux-image-3.13.0-34-ge 3.13.0-34.60 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-35-ge 3.13.0-35.62 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-36-ge 3.13.0-36.63 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-37-ge 3.13.0-37.64 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-39-ge 3.13.0-39.66 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-40-ge 3.13.0-40.69 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-43-ge 3.13.0-43.72 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-44-ge 3.13.0-44.73 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-45-ge 3.13.0-45.74 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-46-ge 3.13.0-46.79 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-48-ge 3.13.0-48.80 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-49-ge 3.13.0-49.83 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-51-ge 3.13.0-51.84 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-52-ge 3.13.0-52.86 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-53-ge 3.13.0-53.89 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-54-ge 3.13.0-54.91 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-55-ge 3.13.0-55.94 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-57-ge 3.13.0-57.95 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-58-ge 3.13.0-58.97 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-59-ge 3.13.0-59.98 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-61-ge 3.13.0-61.100 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-62-ge 3.13.0-62.102 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-63-ge 3.13.0-63.103 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-65-ge 3.13.0-65.106 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-66-ge 3.13.0-66.108 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-67-ge 3.13.0-67.110 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-68-ge 3.13.0-68.111 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-71-ge 3.13.0-71.114 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-73-ge 3.13.0-73.116 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-74-ge 3.13.0-74.118 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
rc linux-image-3.13.0-76-ge 3.13.0-76.120 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
ii linux-image-3.13.0-77-ge 3.13.0-77.121 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.13.0 on 64 bit x86 S
ii linux-image-3.2.0-26-gen 3.2.0-26.41 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-29-gen 3.2.0-29.46 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-30-gen 3.2.0-30.48 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-31-gen 3.2.0-31.50 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-32-gen 3.2.0-32.51 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-33-gen 3.2.0-33.52 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-34-gen 3.2.0-34.53 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-35-gen 3.2.0-35.55 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-36-gen 3.2.0-36.57 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-37-gen 3.2.0-37.58 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-38-gen 3.2.0-38.61 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-39-gen 3.2.0-39.62 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-40-gen 3.2.0-40.64 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-41-gen 3.2.0-41.66 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-43-gen 3.2.0-43.68 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-44-gen 3.2.0-44.69 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-45-gen 3.2.0-45.70 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-48-gen 3.2.0-48.74 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-49-gen 3.2.0-49.75 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-51-gen 3.2.0-51.77 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-52-gen 3.2.0-52.78 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-53-gen 3.2.0-53.81 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-54-gen 3.2.0-54.82 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-55-gen 3.2.0-55.85 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-56-gen 3.2.0-56.86 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-57-gen 3.2.0-57.87 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-58-gen 3.2.0-58.88 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-59-gen 3.2.0-59.90 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-60-gen 3.2.0-60.91 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-61-gen 3.2.0-61.93 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-63-gen 3.2.0-63.95 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-64-gen 3.2.0-64.97 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-65-gen 3.2.0-65.99 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
ii linux-image-3.2.0-67-gen 3.2.0-67.101 amd64 Linux kernel image for version 3.2.0 on 64 bit x86 SM
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-34.60 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-35.62 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-36.63 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-37.64 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-39.66 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-40.69 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-43.72 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-44.73 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-45.74 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-46.79 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-48.80 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-49.83 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-51.84 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-52.86 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-53.89 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-54.91 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-55.94 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-57.95 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-58.97 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-59.98 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-61.100 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-62.102 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-63.103 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-65.106 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-66.108 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-67.110 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-68.111 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-71.114 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-73.116 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-74.118 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
rc linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-76.120 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
ii linux-image-extra-3.13.0 3.13.0-77.121 amd64 Linux kernel extra modules for version 3.13.0 on 64 b
ii linux-image-generic 3.13.0.77.83 amd64 Generic Linux kernel image
un linux-initramfs-tool <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-kernel-headers <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-kernel-log-daemon <none> <none> (no description available)
ii linux-libc-dev:amd64 3.13.0-77.121 amd64 Linux Kernel Headers for development
un linux-restricted-common <none> <none> (no description available)
ii linux-sound-base 1.0.25+dfsg-0ubun all base package for ALSA and OSS sound systems
un linux-source-2.6.38 <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-source-3.0.0 <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-source-3.13.0 <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-source-3.2.0 <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux-tools <none> <none> (no description available)
un linux32 <none> <none> (no description available)

[ian-weisser]

You are running a 3.13-series kernel, so it should be safe enough to try:

sudo apt-get remove linux-image-3.2.0* linux-headers-3.2.0*
sudo apt-get remove linux-headers-2.6* linux-headers-3.0* linux-image-2.6* linux-image-3.0*
sudo apt-get autoremove

See if that makes a difference for you.

A few of the older kernels had headers. Those could not be eligible for autoremove until the headers had been removed.

[grahammechanical]

If we want to do it through a GUI, then install Synaptic Package Manager. And after getting a list of the kernels search in Synaptic for the kernel. For example, from the list given by the OP, search for linux 3.2.0-26 and that will come up with some of the kernel files related to kernel 3.2.0-26.

we will will see this

linux-headers-3.2.0-26
linux-headers-3.2.0-26-generic
linux-image-extra-3.2.0-26-generic
linux-image-3.2.0-26-generic

Select linux-image and right click and select Mark for Complete Removal. That should also remove any other kernel related files not found by the search criteria. Then click apply.

With Synaptic we can queue up several kernels for removal before clicking apply. Or do it one at a time. Just do not remove all the kernels. Save at least 2. To test if we are keeping a working kernel use Grub boot menu Advanced options for Ubuntu to load into earlier kernels to see if we get to a working desktop.

It is wise to have at least 2 working kernels in case a kernel upgrade should break the desktop. Then we can load into one of the previous kernels.

Regards

[ubfan1]

+1 on ian-weisser's caution. Some of the kernel packages (like the two headers) leave files in other locations (like /usr/src) too.

[pablo-2]

This will remove all the kernels except the last one. Remember to boot using the last kernel or bad things could happen (or not):

dpkg -l 'linux-*' | sed '/^ii/!d;/'"$(uname -r | sed "s/\(.*\)-\([^0-9]\+\)/\1/")"'/d;s/^[^ ]* [^ ]* \([^ ]*\).*/\1/;/[0-9]/!d' | xargs sudo apt-get --dry-run purge

[kurt18947]

If we want to do it through a GUI, then install Synaptic Package Manager. And after getting a list of the kernels search in Synaptic for the kernel. For example, from the list given by the OP, search for linux 3.2.0-26 and that will come up with some of the kernel files related to kernel 3.2.0-26.

we will will see this

linux-headers-3.2.0-26
linux-headers-3.2.0-26-generic
linux-image-extra-3.2.0-26-generic
linux-image-3.2.0-26-generic

Select linux-image and right click and select Mark for Complete Removal. That should also remove any other kernel related files not found by the search criteria. Then click apply.

With Synaptic we can queue up several kernels for removal before clicking apply. Or do it one at a time. Just do not remove all the kernels. Save at least 2. To test if we are keeping a working kernel use Grub boot menu Advanced options for Ubuntu to load into earlier kernels to see if we get to a working desktop.

It is wise to have at least 2 working kernels in case a kernel upgrade should break the desktop. Then we can load into one of the previous kernels.

Regards


+ 1 for Synaptic. It hasn't let me do anything I've later regretted yet.