FATAL error: root password not recognized
 

For some freaking reason I am suddenly getting this error message when I try to use SYNAPTIC pm to install packages:
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Failed to run /usr/bin/gnome-app-install as user root:
Unable to copy the user's Xauthorization file.

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Any idea to get this working again??

Ubuntu 5.10 BB GNOME

thanks

Did it used to work? If so, you changed something that prevents Synaptic from running with root priviliges, which are required to install packages. You could always try opening a terminal, su'ing to root, and running it.

If you're getting this error after you su, try running the following after the su command (username is the user you were prior to the su):
I sometimes have to change the ownership of ~username/.Xauthority back to username after doing this, but apart from that it works fine.

Steve]

I rebooted and then it came back to normal; but when I log off and log back in it starts misbehaving. THis has happened after I trigger-happy installed firestarter in Automatix.

But for now I am fine. Will nto log off.
Iwill keep your suggestion at hand, though.
Regards,
Sl