Unable to Install Software or Updates [SOLVED]

[DaveC]

Whenever I try to install new programs such as games or utilities from "Get & Remove Software" or updates from KPackageKit or System Settings I can get them to go through the installation process but the process always stops when it's nearly done & the following error message pops up:
"Cannot get Lock---KPackageKit [or System Settings, depending on what I try to install]. Cannot get the exclusive lock on the packaging backend. Please close any other Legacy packaging tools that may be open.

"Details

E: Dpkg was interrupted, you must manually run 'Dpkg--configure -a' to correct the problem."

I never have any other programs running although Kubuntu certainly may; how do I remedy this or if absolutely necessary, how can I manually run 'Dpkg--configure -a'?

Here's the info on this computer & installation:
Kubuntu Release: 10:10
KDE v4.5.1;
Grub vVersion: 0.97-29ubuntu60;
CPU: Architecture: i686 Desktop
CPU op-mode(s): 32-bit
CPU(s): 1
Thread(s) per core: 1
Core(s) per socket: 1
CPU socket(s): 1
Vendor ID: Genuine Intel
CPU family: 15
Model: 2
Stepping: 4
CPU MHz: 1993.508;
Graphics Prcsr.: 00:02.0 VGA compatible controller: Intel Corporation 82845G/GL[Brookdale-G]/GE Chipset Integrated Graphics Device (rev 01);
40 GB HD; 512 GB RAM Thanks in advance.

[Rog131]

Re: Unable to Install Software or Updates

E: Dpkg was interrupted, you must manually run 'Dpkg--configure -a' to correct the problem."

The dpkg was interrupted -> the package(s) were not configured the right way.

Try with the konsole:

sudo dpkg --configure -a

man dpkg

NAME
dpkg - package manager for Debian

SYNOPSIS
dpkg [options] action

WARNING
This manual is intended for users wishing to understand dpkg's command line options and
package states in more detail than that provided by dpkg --help.
...
--configure package...|-a|--pending
Configure a package which has been unpacked but not yet configured. If -a or --pending
is given instead of package, all unpacked but unconfigured packages are configured.

More:
> HOWTO find Kubuntu's manual / reference / guide / documentation / help
> Topic: [SOLVED] kpackagekit 'exclusive lock' error
> FAQ: Package Managers

[DaveC]

Re: Unable to Install Software or Updates [SOLVED]

Thanks Rog; that solved this problem. Putting "sudo dpkg --configure -a" [w/o quotes] in the Konsole fixed it. At this stage Konsole is the only way I know of to enter instructions. I wish Linux classes were as plentiful as the ones for MS Windows.