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Old 02-15-2007, 02:46 PM   #1
ArchiMark
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How to Reinstall Debian or Repair Install??


Greetings,

Just installed Debian Sarge/2.4 on my lil' HP Jornada 728 HPC.

Install was done using various files downloaded to CF Card and then extracted to Linux partition and other files that were put on the FAT partition. I got most files from 720degrees.org.

Then in WinCE I just started up the linexec file that I put on the FAT partition and voila! it started up the debian install process.

While I do have it up and running OK....sometimes when I try to install something using 'apt-get install' I get error messages about a specific file that can't be upgraded.

Also, using IceWM and some apps that I've installed open for a few seconds and then close.

So, wondering whether I either need to do some 'repair' to my current install or just 'reinstall fresh'??

What do you recommend?

If repair, what is best way to do that?

If reinstall, what is best way to do that given the install described above?

From my searching around, I find plenty of info on installing debian but almost nothing on repair and/or reinstalling...unless I've just missed it of course.....

Thanks for any and all advice!

Mark
 
Old 02-15-2007, 04:25 PM   #2
Dutch Master
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Before installing a package it's advised (read as: obligatory) to do an apt-get update. If it still complains about that package, look in the sources.list, as it may have a lock (known as pinning) for that package. If the package isn't locked (pinned) on a specific version, use the -f option (apt-get -f install, no further arguments) to force an install.

If all this fails, then you should consider some sort of repair. Usually re-installing isn't necessary, although at times it can be the least time-consuming option
 
Old 02-15-2007, 04:33 PM   #3
ArchiMark
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Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dutch Master
Before installing a package it's advised (read as: obligatory) to do an apt-get update. If it still complains about that package, look in the sources.list, as it may have a lock (known as pinning) for that package. If the package isn't locked (pinned) on a specific version, use the -f option (apt-get -f install, no further arguments) to force an install.

If all this fails, then you should consider some sort of repair. Usually re-installing isn't necessary, although at times it can be the least time-consuming option
Thanks for all that advice, Dutch Master!

I usually do 'apt-get update', but not always, so will remember to do it always.

Will also try your other suggestions....



Mark
 
Old 02-15-2007, 08:08 PM   #4
JimBass
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You may also have some problems simply due to Sarge's age. It was supposed to be retired in December 2006, but the next stable version, Etch, isn't 100% ready to go yet on some of the more exotic architectures.

In theory nothing should break over this, but Sarge uses several base packages that are virtually dead, things like Xfree86 instead of Xorg. I would suggest going up from stable to testing, which is named Etch. That would install newer versions of many of the packages you have, and probably a new kernel as well. That should clear up some of the problems if what Dutch Master wrote doesn't work for you. This is particularly true if this is a desktop machine and not a server. Stable was never intended for desktops, it is meant for a solid server that never changes.

Peace,
JimBass
 
Old 02-15-2007, 08:29 PM   #5
ArchiMark
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimBass
You may also have some problems simply due to Sarge's age. It was supposed to be retired in December 2006, but the next stable version, Etch, isn't 100% ready to go yet on some of the more exotic architectures.

In theory nothing should break over this, but Sarge uses several base packages that are virtually dead, things like Xfree86 instead of Xorg. I would suggest going up from stable to testing, which is named Etch. That would install newer versions of many of the packages you have, and probably a new kernel as well. That should clear up some of the problems if what Dutch Master wrote doesn't work for you. This is particularly true if this is a desktop machine and not a server. Stable was never intended for desktops, it is meant for a solid server that never changes.

Peace,
JimBass
Thanks for your input too, Jim.

Every bit helps!

Not sure if Etch works on these little handheldPC's yet....I do know that there's a version of 720degrees (debian for Jornada72x..) that can use the new 2.6 kernel that might help some, but sound doesn't work yet among a few other things...

In the meantime, did some package removal and then some package reinstalls and so far that has helped some....

Mark
 
  


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