Update-Manager and gnome-app-install both hanging

[ReedMace]

Have just upgraded to Ubuntu 8.10 but was having this problem with Hardy Heron. Update Manager and Application Install progs both start but when trying to access internet, both hang and cannot be closed without forcing end process in System Monitor. Update Manager hangs immediately on clicking "Check", and App-Install hangs after clicking "apply" in the pop-up dialog box that comes up after clicking "apply changes". System monitor reports both programs as "sleeping" and waiting channel as "do_select". System resources reports no network activity or central processor activity.

Also Hardware Testing program fails to initialise. "Starting Hardware Testing" button appears on program panel at bottom of screen for several seconds before disappearing and nothing else happens.

Exactly the same happens with "Login Window" under System>Administration, and also with "Software Sources", "Synaptic Package Manager", and "Windows Wireless Drivers". All other programs under Administration at least present a dialog box.

Also, touchpad on laptop only responds to being tapped (mouse-click equivalent) highly erratically (once in 7 or so times) since upgrade. Worked fine previously.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

ReedMace

PS It's really handy to see wireless signal strength now, and sound works as well in the upgrade!