Kernel Update Issue

[rej]

Hi-

Today's update was stalled at 82%, while I assume involved kernels - "depmod" or something.

Long ago, as I did not want kernels to update and had uninstalled:

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linux-image-amd64 meta-package

linux-headers-amd64

And this is likely why the update issue stalled.

Went to reinstall them to get past this and Synaptic dialogue box popped up:

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E: dpkg was interrupted, you must manually run 'dpkg --configure -a' to correct the problem. 
E: _cache->open() failed, cannot continue.

Ran it and it stuck at:

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rj@mx23-rj:~
$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
[sudo] password for rj:    
Setting up rtl8821cu-dkms (5.12.0+git20250219-1~mx23+1) ...
Removing old rtl8821cu-5.12.0 DKMS files...
/usr/sbin/dkms.mx remove -m rtl8821cu -v 5.12.0 --all
Deleting module rtl8821cu-5.12.0 completely from the DKMS tree.
Loading new rtl8821cu-5.12.0 DKMS files...
/usr/sbin/dkms.mx add -m rtl8821cu -v 5.12.0
Building for 6.1.0-12-amd64
/usr/sbin/dkms.mx status -m rtl8821cu -v 5.12.0 -k 6.1.0-12-amd64
Building initial module for 6.1.0-12-amd64
/usr/sbin/dkms.mx build -m rtl8821cu -v 5.12.0 -k 6.1.0-12-amd64 -k 6.1.0-12-amd64 -k 6.1.0-11-amd64 -k 6.1.0-10-amd64 -a x86_64

Could it be fixed by manually installing those files uninstalled files through terminal, and if so, how?

I tried "sudo apt install linux-image-amd64 meta-package", which responded with:

"E: dpkg was interrupted, you must manually run 'sudo dpkg --configure -a' to correct the problem."

Is there any way to fix this?

[dolphin_oracle]

the update probably didn't stall. we updated a bunch of dkms packages so that they won't build on 6.14 and up, because they are included in the 6.14 kernel. but the update could take a while, depeding on hardware.

if you don't need those drivers, remove them wit mx-cleanup, which will remove any unused wifi dkms packages.

[Tallguy43]

I am having the same issue with my update. I had the installation pause at about 73% for a long time. Like earlier poster I interrupted the install.

dpkg --configure -a produces the following dialog.

S****@mxS****~
$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
[sudo] password for S****:
Setting up rtl8821cu-dkms (5.12.0+git20250219-1~mx23+1) ...
Removing old rtl8821cu-5.12.0 DKMS files...
/usr/sbin/dkms.mx remove -m rtl8821cu -v 5.12.0 --all
Deleting module rtl8821cu-5.12.0 completely from the DKMS tree.
Loading new rtl8821cu-5.12.0 DKMS files...
/usr/sbin/dkms.mx add -m rtl8821cu -v 5.12.0
Building for 6.1.0-31-amd64 6.1.0-33-amd64
/usr/sbin/dkms.mx status -m rtl8821cu -v 5.12.0 -k 6.1.0-31-amd64
Building initial module for 6.1.0-31-amd64
/usr/sbin/dkms.mx build -m rtl8821cu -v 5.12.0 -k 6.1.0-31-amd64 -k 6.1.0-31-amd64 -k 6.1.0-33-amd64 -k 6.1.0-32-amd64 -a x86_64

I attempted to use Mx Cleanup to remove rtl8821cu and got prompted to repeat "dpkg --configure -a"

My system runs without any apparent errors but I assume that dpkg is broken.

-----------------------------------------------------------

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System:
  Kernel: 6.1.0-31-amd64 [6.1.128-1] arch: x86_64 bits: 64 compiler: gcc v: 12.2.0
    parameters: BOOT_IMAGE=/boot/vmlinuz-6.1.0-31-amd64 root=UUID=<filter> ro quiet nomodeset splash
    init=/lib/systemd/systemd
  Desktop: Xfce v: 4.20.0 tk: Gtk v: 3.24.38 info: xfce4-panel wm: xfwm v: 4.20.0 vt: 7
    dm: LightDM v: 1.32.0 Distro: MX-23.5_x64 Libretto Jan 12  2025 base: Debian GNU/Linux 12
    (bookworm)
Machine:
  Type: Laptop System: Dell product: Latitude 7390 v: N/A serial: <superuser required> Chassis:
    type: 10 serial: <superuser required>
  Mobo: Dell model: 0MXW44 v: A07 serial: <superuser required> UEFI: Dell v: 1.41.0
    date: 11/06/2024

[dolphin_oracle]

so building the dkms packages for three kenrels is going to take a while.

run the dpkg --configure -a command and let it finish.

[Tallguy43]

How long would you guess? Running this in terminal does not give any feedback as to progress. Are we talking minutes? hours?

[siamhie]

How long would you guess? Running this in terminal does not give any feedback as to progress. Are we talking minutes? hours?

As long as it takes to make sure it works.

[rej]

so building the dkms packages for three kenrels is going to take a while.

run the dpkg --configure -a command and let it finish.

Hi Dolphin -

You are right - guess this computer is pretty slow.

Thank you!

[Tallguy43]

Dolphin, Siamhie

My problem finally resolved by letting "dpkg --configure -a" run for a lengthy period of time. I wasn't watching closely, but I'd guess a little over an hour.

Thanks for the feedback!

Scott

[Stevo]

Use MX Cleanup to remove unused wifi drivers to really speed that up.

[Eadwine Rose]

I did that for the first time, and boy did that make a massive difference! Should have done that a long time ago, so yeah, can recommend!