I've been getting the error "medium contrib uses an invalid list file" when trying to urpmi mplayer. I've gone and setup probably 10 different sources for contrib and all of them give the same message. Am I missing something? I've ftp'd to the servers and they are open for business. I'm using a fresh install of mdk 9.2RC2 (haven't gotten around to updating my cd's...).

I see this all the time too. My guess is that the downloaded contrib file list is now different than the one on the mirror--presumably because stuff gets added all the time. So when it compares your local file to that on the mirror it pops the message. It does this regardless of whether you use the contrib source or not as a matter of course. I would say, turn off the source before doing updates. If it's a contrib source, then do an update of the contrib source before attempting to actually download anything from that source. It's a pain because it's not a small file, so it takes a few minutes even on a cable modem.

I just go ahead and install anyway and have not had a problem (4 machines, lots of updates and new packages), everything just works.

Can you explain how to update this contrib source or whatever? I've been getting the same error trying to updgrade my XINE using URPMI and I have no clue what to do. I'm a newb. step by step instructions please. thanks!

If your using Mandrake there is a tool in the configuration menu of the start panel named software media manager. Click on that and there should be a window that lists all of the sources you have configured and you can update them.

I can't see much point in updating the lists file because I just added the source and the list file was just downloaded so it's as up to date as it is going to get. I think there is something else going on here. Any other ideas?

yes, try apt, and synaptic
it is said that it works better.
I think its on the CD -- use rpm

AFAIK (just from experience), the invalid list file isn't a big deal. I have had that error come up before but I can still download from that source-just like
sick-o-windoze. Does a hdlist or synthesis download after you get the message? Whenever one doesn't download I usually try another server and eventually one downloads.

First you need to make sure you have a contrib source. Type urpmi.update to see a list of your sources. If you have one you can execute urpmi.update -a to update all your sources.

If you need to add sources (nothing with "contrib" in the name shows up when you execute "urpmi.update") then visit http://urpmi.org/easyurpmi/ to add some sources like contrib and plf.

Here's an easy solution. I have a How to on my web site. The fact that you get the message doesn't mean you can't download the packages. most of the time it will finish the install and then post the message about the mirror being out of date. Its not that big of a deal.



www.linuxloader.com