Dpkg error
sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code (1)
The error message “Sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code (1)” indicates a problem with the package installer
- This can happen after a failed software installation, or if the installer becomes corrupted
The key phrase in this error is /usr/bin/dpkg
- This refers to the dpkg package installer for Linux
- A package installer is an application that tracks software, updates, and dependencies
- If it is damaged, any new software installation will cause this error message
We cover several possible solutions, from easily solved and straightforward solutions to more complex processes
- This guide will help you resolve the dpkg returned an error code 1 on an Ubuntu operating system
Options to Fix
Reconfigure dpkg Database
If your package database has become corrupted, reconfiguring it can repair it
# dpkg ––configure –a
This command reconfigures packages that have been unpacked but not necessarily installed
- An interruption at the wrong time can cause this database to become corrupt
- This is especially helpful if you were running installation and the process was interrupted
Force-Install the Software
If Method 1 does not work, you can attempt to fix the dependencies in the package installer
# apt-get install –f
The –f option means fix-broken
- It repairs any broken dependencies in your package manager
- Broken dependencies occur when a download is interrupted, or there is a problem with the cached download
Note: Dependencies are other software packages that are required by the software you are installing
- A package manager helps keep track of dependencies for you
Remove Bad Software Package
If you know which software caused the errors on your system, you can remove it
Enter the command and package_name with the name of the software that is causing the problem
# apt-get remove ––purge package_name
The ––purge option directs the system to remove config files in addition to uninstalling
- This helps get rid of all traces of the offending software
Clean Out Unused Software Packages
If an old, outdated, or unused package is causing the problem, you can solve the problem by removing unused software packages
# apt autoremove
Note: Avoid the next 2 options unless all other methods have failed
Remove Post Files
If you know the name of the package that is causing problems, you can delete the files manually
- The installation files are usually located in the /var/lib/dpkg/info file
Type in the following command and replace package_name with the name of the broken software
# ls –l /var/lib/dpkg/info | grep –i package_name
This will generate a list of all references to the software you installed.You can then remove them by entering
# mv /var/lib/dpkg/info/package_name.* /tmp
This command moves the files to the /tmp directory, where they cannot affect your package manager
Next, update the package manager
# apt-get update
After which you can re-install the broken software again
Overwrite Package File
If you know the name of the package that is causing a problem, you can force an overwrite
Use the following command and replace full_name_of_package with the actual package name
# dpkg –i ––force–overwrite /var/cache/apt/archives/full_name_of_package
Note: If you do not know the actual name of the package, you can search for it with the following command
ls /var/cache/apt/archies/*package_name*
Replace package_name with the name of your software
- This should return any instances of that package name
- Note the exact filename, and type it into the previous command