`dpkg --configure -a` hangs

Question

I'm using Ubuntu 16.04.

When I update, I got the following message

$ sudo apt-get update
....
E: dpkg was interrupted, you must manually run 'sudo dpkg --configure -a' to correct the problem. 

Following the error message, I try

$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
setting up snapd (2.14.2~16.04) ...

then it hangs forever. Does anybody know how can I fix this problem? Thanks.

Distinguishing

Answer 1

This is a confirmed bug.

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/snapd/+bug/1621336

A workaround is listed:

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/snapd/+bug/1621336/comments/4

Adding the workaround from Axel Kämpfe since the links seems to be broken:

1. Start a rootshell with "sudo -i"
2. Run echo "bash -c 'service snapd.boot-ok start'" | at now + 4 min
3. Then run apt install snapd (if it argues about canceled dpkg processes use the dpkg --configure -a. Then wait for at least 4 minutes. The hanging should gone then.

Good luck! :)

/Patrik

Bloodsucker

Dead links. When linking always include the relevant portion of the link inside the answer itself. – Nevernever

Good point. Found the original post via google cache. You're welcome. – Bloodsucker

@Bloodsucker Since I have new linux vm , when i run "echo "bash -c 'service snapd.boot-ok start'" | at now + 4 min" , it said "at" is not found and when I try to install it , it said you should run "dpkg --configure -a" which is hangs forever , it's like im in infinite loop – Gulden

Answer 2

I had a similar problem twice and I have noticed that it happens everytime my system wants to upgrade to a new Kernel. The steps below seem to work for me all the time;

1. Boot into the recovery mode of your newest kernel versions.
2. Log-in to the system as root from the drop-down menu.

3. Edit the /etc/resolv.conf file using a text editor, I normally use vi, i.e.

   vi /etc/resolv.conf 
   

   and put in the contents below and save file;

   nameserver 208.67.222.220
   nameserver 208.67.222.222
   

4. After the above step, Ctrl+D (exit) back into the recovery mode menu and click on networking to enable network/internet connection.

5. Next, click on the dpkg item to fix broken packages.

That's it, after the reboot your system should have the right kernel install and broken packages fixed/removed.

Konstance

Answer 3

1. Identify the application that is causing the dpkg --configure -a hanging error.

Example: snapd

2. Execute the following command:

sudo apt-get remove snapd

In my case, I entered the following command:

sudo apt-get remove mysql-server-8.0

3. Re-install the application if necessary.

I hope this helps you too. Health!

Handspring