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apt-get gets stuck at vim-common

Hello folks,

after using my sarge home server long and happily, I now have an issue (for some weeks): every time I try to apt-get anything, I have the following error message:

Code:

# apt-get upgrade

Reading Package Lists... Done

Building Dependency Tree... Done

You might want to run `apt-get -f install' to correct these.

The following packages have unmet dependencies:

  vim: Depends: vim-common (>= 1:6.3-071+1sarge3) but it is not installed

E: Unmet dependencies. Try using -f.

well then I used -f, for the system told me (and up to now, that always helped):

Code:

#apt-get -f install 

...

Unpacking vim-common (from .../vim-common_1%3a6.3-071+1sarge3_all.deb) ...

dpkg: error processing /var/cache/apt/archives/vim-common_1%3a6.3-071+1sarge3_all.deb (--unpack):

 trying to overwrite `/usr/share/doc/vim-common', which is also in package vim-doc

Errors were encountered while processing:

 /var/cache/apt/archives/vim-common_1%3a6.3-071+1sarge3_all.deb

E: Sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code (1)

...

Umh :confused:. I am quite puzzled. No clue on the net :study:, neither. Today, I apt-get removed vim vim-full vim-common, but no change. Are my packages fouled up? apt database is always kept fresh and up to date ... Oh, by the way, vim works on the box :scratch: - although it is not properly installed?!?

Anyone who has a clue? Your help is much appreciated!

Kind Regards,

Peter

If I remember correctly, the vim package was horribly broken in old-stable(aka sarge).

I would first try removing vim-doc, upgrade everything and reinstall(apt-get) it (if needed, it's just documentation).

If it keeps giving you this conflict you could consider a more brutal fix (at your own risk) by forcing it to install:

Code:

dpkg -i --force-all /var/cache/apt/archives/vim-common_1%3a6.3-071+1sarge3_all.deb

.
Using "force" on a productive server is usually a bad idea though...

Hello jens,

thanks for the quick reply

Quote:

I would first try removing vim-doc, upgrade everything and reinstall(apt-get) it

actually, that is almost what I did. I even moved the files manually - no effect :cry: .

Anyone else who has an idea? I do not really want to switch the box to etch, as it does not run with the 2.6 kernel (P2-350).

Thanks,

Peter

Hello Jens,

after considering the risk, I tried your dpkg line - this took the cookie! I dimly remember having done something like that before (for a non-official .deb that was a little crude aka fouled up a bit), as I did not loose my dear Sarge then, I took the risk and it worked out fine. Hooray! :D I am saved!

So, again, all my ten thumbs up, debian is coooool :cool: ! Never had a box that required that little blood, sweat and tears to maintain. And whenever I reach my limit, it's you coolsters out here having the magic spell to make it work anyway.

Have a wonderful day!

Peter