Update Manager fails when updating base-files package

From www.eightvirtues.com

Contents 1 Problem 2 Affects 3 Cause 4 Resolution

Problem

During the course of normal system updates via the Update Manager or Synaptic Package Manager, the base-files package enters into an infinite loop and the updates fail to complete.

Affects

Ubuntu 8.04 Desktop - AMD64 - Hardy Heron

Cause

The base-files package updates the default user profile stored in the /etc/skel directory. The /etc/skel/.wine directory contains symlinks that contain cyclic references, meaning they eventually refer back to each other thus creating an infinite reference. The installation script for the base-files package apparently recursively parses the directories stored in /etc/skel, which causes the script to enter into an infinite loop.

Resolution

Deleting the /etc/skel/.wine directory and its contents will allow the system to update normally.

1. Stop the Update Manager, Synaptic Package Manager, or apt-get command from attempting to install the udpates if you haven't already done so.
2. Open a terminal window from the main menu under Applications, Accessories, Terminal.
3. In the terminal window enter the command:

   sudo rm -fr /etc/skel/.wine

4. Enter your password when prompted (default password is eightvirtues).
5. In the terminal window enter the command:

   sudo dpkg --configure -a

6. Close the terminal window.
7. Attempt to update the system again via the Update Manager, etc., from the main menu under System, Administration, Update Manager.