How to Fix Sub-Process /usr/bin/dpkg Returned an Error Code?
by A Maria | Updated Apr 21, 2023
What is Sub-Process /usr/bin/dpkg Returned an Error Code?
The error code (1) returned by the Sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg points to an issue with the package installer in Ubuntu. Such an error message may occur when a software installation fails, or if the installer itself becomes corrupt. The dpkg package installer for Linux is denoted by the /usr/bin/dpkg phrase, which is a crucial component of the error message.
This installer is responsible for managing software, updates, and dependencies, and if it becomes damaged, the installation of new software can trigger this error message.
How to Fix Sub-Process /usr/bin/dpkg Returned an Error Code?
Here are the fixes.
Solution 1: Re-Configure the Database Package
In most cases, database files get corrupted due to misconfigured packages. To fix the issue, one possible solution is to re-configure the database package. This can be done using the following command:
Solution 2: Remove the Causing Package
If re-configuring the package does not work, you can try removing the package that is causing the issue. To do this, run the following command with the name of the package that is causing the problem:
Once the package is removed, update the packages using the following command:
Solution 3: Force Install the Package
Another solution to fix the error is to force-install any interrupted packages. Interrupted package installation is one of the causes of this error. To do this, run the following command:
Solution 4: Trash the Post Files of Causing Package
If none of the above solutions work, the fourth solution is to remove the post files of the package causing the problem. First, identify the package causing the problem (the package name should be mentioned in the last three lines of the error message). Then, remove the post files of that package using the following command:
After removing the post files, run the update command again:
Cause of Sub-Process /usr/bin/dpkg Returned an Error Code
The error message "sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code" is a common error that occurs during package installation or removal in Linux systems. This error message indicates that the package management system (dpkg) was unable to complete the requested operation and returned an error code.
There can be several reasons behind this error message. Some of the common causes are:
Corrupted or incomplete package installation
Conflicting packages
Misconfigured package
Insufficient permissions
How to fix sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code - FAQs
This error message indicates that there is an issue with the package installer in Ubuntu. It may occur when a software installation fails or if the installer itself becomes corrupt.
The dpkg package installer is a crucial component of Ubuntu's package management system, responsible for managing software, updates, and dependencies.
The dpkg package installer can become damaged due to various reasons, such as interrupted or incomplete software installations, conflicting packages, misconfigured packages, or insufficient permissions.
To fix this error message, you can try reconfiguring the database package, removing the causing package, force-installing the package, or removing the post files of the causing package. It's essential to identify the cause of the error before applying any of the solutions.
Yes, you can prevent this error message by ensuring that all software installations are completed without interruption, avoiding conflicting packages, and making sure that packages are correctly configured. It's also crucial to run dpkg commands with sufficient permissions.