I am new to linux and I know very little. I haven't really delved that deep into it. I tried to install a program today using add/remove programs option in Ubuntu and whenever I try to apply the changes, I get this error message: "E: dpkg was interrupted, you must manually run 'dpkg --configure -a' to correct the problem. E: _cache->open() failed, please report." I get the same message when I try to start synaptic too. The only thing that I think could have messed anything up, was that I was doing some things today trying to get flash to work on my 64bit Ubuntu(which I failed to do). Apparently flash doesn't work with the 64 bit version and I was trying a work around. But that's my only guess as to what may be the root of this problem.

First thing to try is to open a terminal window and run the command as directed: dpkg --configure -a If it fails, please report the error output and we will try to help. Note: You may have to run the command as: sudo dpkg --configure -a so it has root authority. HTH, Ernie Registered Linux User 247790 ICQ 41060744

In Ubuntu you HAVE to run: sudo dpkg --configure -a

Thanks for your help. I will try this definitely. What was the cause of my problem? I never had to enter those commands before to install anything, so what exactly did I do to screw things up? Because I have installed a lot of stuff before with no problem. Anyway, I will try those suggestions and post the outcome. Thanks again.

I was able to get it to work using the posted command. Thanks!

I did get an error message though btw(it said I had 1 corrupted package on my system or something like that. and to use some package filter thing to fix it). I mentioned this in a prior reply, but that post disappeared for some reason. I checked back on this thread and didn't see my new reply, so I posted the above. Just thought I should probably mention the error message.