Fix APT Error pkgproblemresolver Held Broken Packages

If you’re attempting to install or upgrade software on your Debian or Ubuntu system, you might encounter the frustrating " Error pkgproblemresolver held broken packages" message. This is a fairly common issue, and fortunately, it’s usually solvable. This guide will walk you through understanding the root causes of this error and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to Fix APT Error pkgproblemresolver using methods found on the Orcacore website.

What Causes APT Error pkgProblemResolver Resolve generated breaks?

The "pkgProblemResolver Resolve generated breaks" error arises when the Advanced Package Tool (APT) runs into dependency conflicts that it cannot automatically resolve. These conflicts prevent APT from correctly installing, upgrading, or removing packages. Several factors can contribute to this problem:

• Broken Dependencies: A package might rely on another package that is either missing, an incorrect version, or corrupted.
• Held Packages: A package may be intentionally "held back" from upgrades, often due to manual configurations or conflicts.
• Incompatible Repositories: Adding third-party repositories that are not fully compatible with your system can introduce conflicting packages.
• Interrupted Installations: If a package installation is interrupted (e.g., due to a power outage or manual termination), it can leave the system in an inconsistent state.
• Corrupted Package Database: The APT package database itself might become corrupted, leading to incorrect dependency resolution.

For instance, while trying to install NTP (Network Time Protocol), you might encounter the following APT error:

**ERROR**
E: Error, pkgProblemResolver::Resolve generated breaks, this may be caused by held packages.

The following steps will guide you on how to resolve this issue.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix APT Error pkgproblemresolver held broken packages

Here’s how to resolve the "pkgProblemResolver held broken packages" error and resume package installations.

Solution 1. Update and Upgrade Your System

The simplest solution is to update and upgrade your system. In many cases, this will automatically resolve the APT Error pkgproblemresolver.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This command updates the package lists and then upgrades all installed packages to their latest versions, resolving dependency issues in the process.

In my situation, updating the Debian system resolved the issue while installing NTP. After the update, the package installed without errors:

The package is installed correctly without any errors:

Solution 2. Use APT’s Built-in Fix Options

If broken packages prevent you from running the upgrade command, you can attempt to fix them using the following commands:

sudo apt --fix-broken install
sudo dpkg --configure -a

The first command attempts to resolve broken dependencies by installing missing packages. The second command reconfigures any packages that were partially installed.

Tips: You can learn more about this by visiting this guide on Can’t upgrade packages on Ubuntu.

Solution 3. Check and Fix Dependency Issues

The aptitude tool can also be helpful for resolving dependency errors. First, install it:

sudo apt install aptitude

Then, run aptitude to resolve the issues:

sudo aptitude install

Note: This will analyze dependency issues and suggest solutions. Carefully review the suggestions and select the most appropriate one.

Solution 4. Disable or Remove Third-Party Repositories

Newly added PPA or external repositories can sometimes cause the APT Error pkgproblemresolver. List your repositories:

ls /etc/apt/sources.list.d/

Disable a problematic repository by commenting it out in its corresponding file:

sudo vi /etc/apt/sources.list.d/<repository_name>.list

After making the changes, update the system:

sudo apt update

Solution 5. Download or Manually Install Dependencies

If the above solutions fail, you can manually install dependencies. Check for missing dependencies:

apt-cache policy <package_name>

If a package is broken, try installing a specific version:

sudo apt install <package_name>=<version_number>

Alternatively, manually download and install a dependency:

sudo wget http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/pool/main/<package>.deb
sudo dpkg -i <package>.deb

Tips To Prevent Error pkgProblemResolver Caused by held packages

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to avoid this APT error:

• Regularly Update Your System: Keep your system up-to-date with sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade.
• Be Cautious with Third-Party Repositories: Only add repositories from trusted sources.
• Avoid Interrupting Package Installations: Ensure a stable power supply and avoid manually terminating installations.
• Resolve Dependency Issues Promptly: Address any dependency issues as soon as they arise.
• Use Package Pinning Carefully: If you use package pinning, ensure it doesn’t create conflicts.

Alternative Solutions to Fix APT Error pkgproblemresolver

While the methods above are common and often effective, here are two alternative approaches you can take to resolve the "APT Error pkgproblemresolver":

1. Using apt-get dist-upgrade

The apt-get dist-upgrade command is similar to apt-get upgrade, but it is designed to handle dependency changes and package removals more intelligently. It’s particularly useful when dealing with major system upgrades or complex dependency issues. It attempts to upgrade packages and, if necessary, will remove older packages or install new ones to satisfy dependencies.

Explanation:

Unlike apt-get upgrade, which only upgrades packages without removing any, apt-get dist-upgrade is more aggressive in resolving dependencies. It can handle situations where a simple upgrade would lead to broken dependencies. This is especially useful after adding a new repository or when upgrading to a new release of your distribution.

Code Example:

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

First, update the package lists, then use dist-upgrade to upgrade the system. Pay close attention to the output, as it will inform you of any packages being removed or new ones being installed.

2. Cleaning the APT Cache and Rebuilding the Database

Sometimes, corrupted package files in the APT cache or inconsistencies in the APT database can cause the "APT Error pkgproblemresolver". Cleaning the cache and rebuilding the database can resolve these issues.

Explanation:

The APT cache stores downloaded package files. If these files become corrupted, they can lead to installation errors. The APT database keeps track of installed packages and their dependencies. If the database becomes inconsistent, it can also cause dependency problems. Cleaning the cache removes potentially corrupted files, and rebuilding the database ensures its integrity.

Code Example:

sudo apt-get clean
sudo apt-get autoclean
sudo apt-get autoremove
sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade

• apt-get clean removes all downloaded package files from the cache.
• apt-get autoclean removes only package files that can no longer be downloaded.
• apt-get autoremove removes packages that were installed as dependencies and are no longer needed.
• rm /var/lib/apt/lists/* -vf removes the cached package information lists. This forces APT to download fresh lists during the next update.
• apt-get update updates the package lists.
• apt-get upgrade upgrades the installed packages.

This comprehensive approach ensures a clean slate for APT, reducing the likelihood of encountering dependency issues.

Conclusion

The "pkgProblemResolver held broken packages" error can be frustrating, but it’s usually fixable. By following these steps, you can resolve the issue and get back to a smooth Linux experience. Regular maintenance and a cautious approach to third-party repositories can help prevent this error from occurring in the first place. Hopefully, you can Fix APT Error pkgproblemresolver using this guide. Please subscribe to us on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

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