When I try 'apt-get --reinstall install kde' I get:

'The following packages have unmet dependencies:
kde: Depends: kde-full (>=5:66) but it is not going to be installed
linux-image-2.6-amd64: Depends: linux-image-2.6.32-5-amd64 but it is not going to be installed
Try 'apt-get -f install''

I tried the 'apt-get -f install' and got:

dpkg:error processing /var/cache/apt/archives/linux-image-2.6.32-5-amd64_2.6.32-31_amd64.deb (--unpack):
failed in write on buffer copy for backend dpkg-deb during './lib/modules/2.6.32-5-amd64/kernel/drivers/usb/atm/ueagle-atm.ko': No space left on device
dpkg-deb: subprocess paste killed by signal (Broken pipe)

Errors were encountered while processing:
/var/cache/apt/archives/linux-image-2.6.32-5=amd64_2.6.32-31_amd64.deb

Filesystem Size Use Mounted On
/dev/sda1 327m 86% /
tmpfs 976M 0% /lib/init/rw
udev 10M 2% /dev
tmpfs 976M 0% /dev/shm
/dev/sda9 289G 1% /HOME
/dev/sda8 1.9g 1% /tmp
/dev/sda5 20g 21% /usr
/dev/sda6 12g 16% /var

Start aptitude (no args, it'll start in interactive mode) and clean the package cache. That should clear up space to re-install stuff. Next, you're advised to reconsider the disk layout, 20 and 16GB for /usr and /var respectively is quite overkill. Ideally /var should be a bit bigger then /usr as the latter holds primarily static stuff whereas /var holds variable amounts of data. (log-files!!) On my system, /usr is 4GB where /var is 5GB and so is /tmp. (to have room for the data of a DVD) The root (/) partition is about 10GB, allowing for the rest (there's a /boot partition too) except /home and swap.

OK, what were your adventures with aptitude exactly? Post; But it looks to me that you should increase / partition. That I believe will solve your problem with No space left on device....

I cleaned the package cache. I still get the same error messages; and was still forced to try 'apt-get -f install'
I dramatically increased the sizes of my partitions because /usr was at 90% use. I will consider your suggestion, though; especially about /tmp.

I acted on aptitudes suggestions (delete, mark automatic, upgrade, install) There was some 'A' files that I applied '-' to, to see if there was any dependencies; and if so I did Control-T. The ones that changed to 'd' as a result of my '-', I was not able to undo.

When using gparted I am blocked from changing the size of /.

Device Boot Start End Blocks Id SYSTEM
/dev/sda1 * 1 43 345366 83 Linux
/dev/sda2 44 48641 390363435 5 Extended
/dev/sda5 695 3244 20478976 83 Linux
/dev/sda6 3244 4774 12288000 83 Linux
/dev/sda7 4744 5412 5120000 82 Linux swap / Solaris
/dev/sda8 5412 5667 2046976 83 Linux
/dev/sda9 5667 43911 307200000 83 Linux

You cannot resize a partition while it is mounted. If you boot to a rescue or live CD/USB, you will be allowed to change it. Just a reminder though, resizing partitions can lead to data corruption. I would encourage you to backup anything that may be important to you before you do any more partitioning.

Your root partition is too small and has too little space. Size 327M, filled 86% leaves... hmmm... 45MB. You need at least 70 MB for the /lib/modules/kernel-version.
So it is not /tmp or anything else.

If you have more obsolete kernels installed, you might remove them to free up space. I am not very fond of resizing partitions, especially when it is the root partition. If you have a second hard disk, you could partition it properly and copy over all your files to that one. Install a new boot loader and use that disk.

jlinkels