update help, package header error.

Hi guys, I'm having some trouble getting updates and resolving a package header error:

:Encountered a section with no Package: header, E:Problem with MergeList /var/lib/apt/lists/us.archive.ubuntu.com_ubuntu_dists_precise-updates_restricted_binary-i386_Packages, E:The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened.

This error occurs when trying open my update manager.
I have read through some topics and tried several suggestions with no resolve.

sudo apt-get update in a terminal gets this response: sudo: must be setuid root

I've tried this link: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SynapticHowto
but Synaptic package manager does not load and responds with the same error :

:Encountered a section with no Package: header, E:Problem with MergeList /var/lib/apt/lists/us.archive.ubuntu.com_ubuntu_dists_precise-updates_restricted_binary-i386_Packages, E:The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened.

I have also tried changing the software source settings suggested in this link :
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Repositories/Ubuntu

but again, Saynaptic does not load.
I have also put this: sudo dpkg --configure -a in a terminal but it comes back with : sudo: must be setuid root


I have no experience with linux but would greatly appreciate any help.
Thank You,

Hi,

see the section about fixing broken files here:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2247

Let us know if it helps.

Regards Wolfman

thanks for the reply wolfman! unfortunately the links found in my original post came from the same link you suggested.
I am not getting anywhere with the use of the terminal or in recovery mode.
As I am living in a hotel for the next few weeks for a business trip, The internet here needs verification before I get access which I believe is limiting my ability to make this repair in recovery mode.

Update.

found an ethernet drop! ran dpkg in recovery mode.

the original error still occurs plus the addition of a new error. check out this screen shot of the terminal after putting in the recommended prompt.



the duplicate error also occurs when i try to open software center or synaptic.

I, too, have the original error of a small package to be installed, yet nothing is listed to check / install and now have gotten the same errors in terminal. ( about duplicate things )

wob24v wrote:Update.

found an ethernet drop! ran dpkg in recovery mode.

the original error still occurs plus the addition of a new error. check out this screen shot of the terminal after putting in the recommended prompt.



the duplicate error also occurs when i try to open software center or synaptic.

Hi,

don't worry about the duplicate lists, what you didn't do is use the sudo command correctly, the update commands are:

sudo apt-get update

then:

sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

Or you can run them both together:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

If you are really worried about the duplicate lists:

http://askubuntu.com/questions/183007/d ... tries?rq=1

I just ignore them!!.

Regards Wolfman

[img]http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/fire_dance41/Screenshotfrom2012-09-17181530.png][/img]

Could you please try

Code:

sudo rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*
sudo apt-get update