Trouble with installing packages

[Nanoduck]

Okay, I confess that I am very new to Kubuntu and the Linux environment so bear with me. I did some searching on the forum beforehand but couldn't find solution to my problem, so I will go ahead and make a new thread. I recently installed Kubuntu, and was able to get it working and connected with the internet in no time. However, I am unable to figure out how to install anything. I was able to install updates, but when I tried to install Firefox or anything else from KPackageKit, I would get error messages. A box would pop up:

Unable to obtain package...
Another application seems to be using the package system at this time. You must close all other package managers before you will be able to install or remove any packages.

I believe I initially tried to install Firefox directly from internet, and then used the Ark to extract the files. I probably extracted them somewhere but lost them

Any suggestions?

[Ole Juul]

Re: Trouble with installing packages

Welcome to the forums!

If it says "Another application seems to be using the package system at this time" then that's what's happening. Perhaps you left an instance running on another desktop, or minimized it, or whatever. If you can't see where it is, just reboot.

[Nanoduck]

Re: Trouble with installing packages

I've rebooted several times but the problem still persists.

[GilGib]

Re: Trouble with installing packages

I believe an install process is still running.
Try this Open Konsole (terminal) window and type in sudo apt-get install -f
If that doesn't work hold ctrl and hit esc key which will bring up your process window and look for a process running something with kpackagekit or install or deb or apt-get

[Snowhog]

Re: Trouble with installing packages

Please tell us what version of Kubuntu you installed, and what version of KDE as well. If you don't know either, open a console and type:

lsb_release -d -c

This will identify the version of Kubuntu.

Click on Help in the title bar of the open console window and on About KDE to find the version of KDE you have installed.

[Nanoduck]

Re: Trouble with installing packages

I believe an install process is still running.
Try this Open Konsole (terminal) window and type in sudo apt-get install -f
If that doesn't work hold ctrl and hit esc key which will bring up your process window and look for a process running something with kpackagekit or install or deb or apt-get

Tried all those above. I did find one task running that was somewhat related to KPackageKit...but it must be for its icon or something. I closed it, but it didn't change anything.

I was able to download a game using KPackageKit and install it, so it must be something else. I noticed that when I try to use the "Install Firefox" shortcut in Apps>Internet it doesn't work...the installer is named QApt Batch Installer. Also, I had a notification pop up when opening Rekong browser that I could download and install stuff like flash player...I get exactly the same problem and message.

Snowhog: I am using Kubuntu 10.10 with KDE 4.5.1

I hope I am making sense here...

[Snowhog]

Re: Trouble with installing packages

Make sure that you are starting with a new session when you log in.

K > System Settings > Startup and Shutdown > Session Management > On Login and check Start with an empty session. Save and logout/login and try KPackageKit again.

[Nanoduck]

Re: Trouble with installing packages

Okay I set it to start new session upon logging in.

The Firefox install app still doesn't work (found in Applications>Internet>Mozilla Firefox Installer)

I was able to install few updates to Rekong browser by selecting one item at a time. When I open Rekong, the notification icon pops up telling me I can install codecs, flash, mp3, etc. I selected one instead of all. However, some would not go away even after downloading, and one of them refuses to download.

I tried to download Firefox browser using the KPackageKit, but it told me that it depends on some packages. I am guessing that I have to get those and install them first?

[GilGib]

Re: Trouble with installing packages

Try this Open a terminal window and type in sudo apt-get install firefox

[Guest]

Re: Trouble with installing packages

I have just installed Kubuntu 11.04 and had exactly the same problem.

I could fix it with this command on Konsole(Terminal)

sudo apt-get install -f

Thanks GilGib!

[jpenguin]

Re: Trouble with installing packages

@nanoduck

use aptitude for more info
try installing muon, it may work better for you...