Apt configuration is corrupt
 

Hello,

I was attempting to change my password for my login, and for when the system went to sleep.
I was on a Linux Forum, and someone recommended that I use the terminal command, and enter sudo apt passwd
Went through that process, and then went to my user group file (which I now believe I should have done first!)
I made some changes, and now I cannot get back in there; it asks for a password, and none of mine work.
When I tried one of my other user names, I got a screen that said apt was corrupt and I should install another version of Linux Mint.
Not sure what to do now. I can function, but the screen goes to sleep after 10 minutes, and I have to shut down and restart every time.
My questions: 1. Is there a way to reset or fix the corruption; 2. If I have to bail out and start over with a new Linux Mint download, will I have an option to delete the corrupt version? I would rather not start all over, it took me some time to get it the way I want it.
Thank you for any help

Vee

Did you set up timeshift? If so, can you reset your system to an earlier time?

No, did not set up timeshift, unfortunately. I tried checking to see if I perhaps did have it, and it wants a password, and none of mine work!

FYI you do not need to use sudo to change your own user's password.
The first thing I would try is booting to single user mode which gives you root access. Then change your user's password using passwd specifying your the username.

https://www.linuxtechi.com/boot-linu...mergency-mode/

For a temporary fix you can stop your screen from locking.

A search for something like: Mint default desktop how to stop screen lock, should do... ;)

there's of course other search one could try next, maybe: fix corrupt Apt? :scratch:

Thanks for the advice
 

I appreciate the help. I am having trouble getting to the gnu grub, but I will persevere, and I did get the screen shut down to stop, thanks again!

My Apt configuration problem is fixed!
 

I just wanted to comment here that with the help of the two guys who gave me some direction, I finally got it to work, and learned a lot in the process.
Thanks again!
Vee