1. Overview
The error message “E: Problem executing scripts APT::Update::Post-Invoke-Success” is a message we can sometimes encounter when attempting to update the latest package index files using the apt-get update command. This error can occur across various Linux distributions, preventing package updates and installations. Fortunately, several troubleshooting methods can help resolve this issue.
In this tutorial, we’ll learn about the common causes behind the “E: Problem executing scripts APT::Update::Post-Invoke-Success” error and explore some step-by-step instructions on how to fix it.
We tested the instructions in this tutorial on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish) and its native apt package manager.
2. Understanding the Issue
Before getting our hands dirty with the nitty-gritty of fixing the error, let’s take a closer look at what’s happening behind the scenes.
Understanding the root of the problem can help us choose the right solution and prevent it from happening again in the future.
2.1. The APT::Update::Post-Invoke-Success Script
The APT::Update::Post-Invoke-Success script is a handy tool that automatically runs after we successfully update our package lists with apt-get update.
We can think of this script as the cleanup crew that ensures the system is tidy and up-to-date by refreshing application metadata and updating cache files.
However, sometimes, this script can run into trouble. When it does, it throws the “E: Problem executing scripts APT::Update::Post-Invoke-Success” error, which can be quite frustrating when trying to update our software.
2.2. Common Causes
This error doesn’t just pop out of nowhere, as there are a few usual suspects we can investigate:
- Corrupt cache files: just like our browsers, apt-get stores information about available packages in cache files. If these files get corrupted, they can mess things up and trigger this error.
- Problematic packages: some packages, like libappstream4 (which helps manage software metadata) or command-not-found (which helps us find commands), can sometimes become corrupted or misconfigured, causing trouble during the update process.
- Incorrect symbolic links: symbolic links act like shortcuts to other files or directories. If the link for our Python installation is pointing to the wrong location, it can confuse the APT::Update::Post-Invoke-Success script and cause it to fail.
Now that we know what we might be dealing with, let’s roll up our sleeves as we explore possible solutions.
3. Resolving the Error
Let’s get down to the good stuff — fixing that annoying APT error. We identified the common culprits, and now it’s time to tackle them head-on.
3.1. Addressing Problematic Packages
As we established earlier, one of the primary causes of the “E: Problem executing scripts APT::Update::Post-Invoke-Success” error is the presence of problematic packages. Specifically, the libappstream4 package often triggers this error. Therefore, addressing issues related to this package can help resolve the error.
First, let’s reinstall the package:
$ sudo apt-get install --reinstall libappstream4
This command reinstalls the libappstream4 package, refreshing its files and configurations. Consequently, this process replaces any corrupted files and ensures the package is installed correctly.
After reinstallation, it’s important to verify that the package is installed correctly. We can do this using the dpkg command:
$ dpkg -l | grep libappstream4
ii libappstream4:arm64 0.15.2-2 arm64 Library to access AppStream services
The output shows the libappstream4 package listed with the status ii (installed).
However, if the above step doesn’t resolve the issue, we can try to purge the problematic package:
$ sudo apt-get purge libappstream4
The above command initiates the removal process. We use purge instead of remove to ensure a complete removal. Unlike remove, purge clears the package along with its configuration files.
After purging the libappstream4 package, let’s try to update the latest package index files:
$ sudo apt-get update
This should resolve the problem. However, if the problem persists, we can try other options.
In addition to libappstream4, the command-not-found package can also cause problems. This package is a helpful utility that suggests similar commands if we make a typo in the terminal.
command-not-found can occasionally interfere with the APT::Update::Post-Invoke-Success script.
Similarly, we can try reinstalling command-not-found:
$ sudo apt-get install --reinstall command-not-found
This command reinstalls the package and can potentially resolve any underlying issues. Nonetheless, if reinstallation doesn’t resolve the error, we can purge the command-not-found package:
$ sudo apt-get purge command-not-found
The command uninstalls the package and may help resolve the error.
By addressing problematic packages like libappstream4 and command-not-found, through reinstalling or purging, we can resolve the “E: Problem executing scripts APT::Update::Post-Invoke-Success” error.
3.2. Fixing Symbolic Links
If the previous solution doesn’t resolve the error, the issue might lie with misconfigured symbolic links. These links act like shortcuts, pointing to specific files or directories. Therefore, if a symbolic link is broken or points to the wrong location, it can disrupt the update process.
A common scenario involves the symbolic link for Python. The APT::Update::Post-Invoke-Success script often relies on Python. Hence, if the link isn’t set up correctly, the script won’t function as intended.
Now, let’s see how we can fix this problem.
To begin with, let’s verify where the symbolic link for python3 is pointing:
$ ls -l /usr/bin/python3
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 10 Aug 18 2022 /usr/bin/python3 -> python3.10
We should get a similar output, indicating that the link is working correctly. This means the /usr/bin/python3 link is pointing to the python3.10 binary.
However, if the link is broken or points to the wrong location, we can fix it:
$ sudo ln -sf /usr/bin/python3.10 /usr/bin/python3
This creates a new symbolic link named /usr/bin/python3 that points to /usr/bin/python3.10. As a result, we can run apt-get update again to see if the error is resolved.
In addition, we need to be careful when using the ln -s command, as overwriting an existing symbolic link can have unintended consequences.
Therefore, before creating a new link, it’s wise to back up the existing one:
$ sudo mv /usr/bin/python3 /usr/bin/python3.bak
This enables us to easily revert changes if necessary.
3.3. Clearing Cache Files
Corrupt cache files are another common problem behind the “E: Problem executing scripts APT::Update::Post-Invoke-Success” error. These files, which store information about installed and available packages, can get corrupted and interfere with the update process.
Luckily, clearing and refreshing the cache is an easy way out of this problem.
A frequent offender is the fwupd.xml file, which handles firmware update information. If it gets corrupt, we can simply remove it using the rm command:
$ sudo rm /var/cache/app-info/xmls/fwupd.xml
This command deletes the fwupd.xml file, forcing the system to recreate it with fresh data during the next update.
After removing the corrupt file, it’s crucial to refresh the application metadata cache using the appstreamcli tool. This tool manages the metadata, and refreshing it ensures the system has the latest information:
$ sudo appstreamcli refresh --force
The –force option ensures a complete refresh, discarding any existing data. We should see a confirmation message indicating a successful cache update.
In some cases, clearing the entire package cache might be necessary. We can do this using a couple of commands:
$ sudo apt-get clean
$ sudo apt-get update
The first command clears out the cached packages, and the second one updates the package lists with fresh data.
If the error persists, we can go a step further and remove the entire app-info cache directory before refreshing the cache:
$ sudo rm -rf /var/cache/app-info
$ sudo mkdir -p /var/cache/app-info
$ sudo appstreamcli refresh --force
This sequence of commands deletes the entire cache directory, recreates it, and then refreshes the metadata cache, ensuring a clean state.
4. Additional Steps
If the previous solutions don’t resolve the “E: Problem executing scripts APT::Update::Post-Invoke-Success” error, we shouldn’t give up just yet. There are a few more tricks up our sleeves.
First, let’s consider rebooting the system. Sometimes, a fresh start can clear up temporary glitches and resolve the error.
Additionally, we can check for broken dependencies:
$ sudo apt-get check
If any are found, we can try fixing them:
$ sudo apt-get install -f
Another option is to reconfigure packages that might be in an inconsistent state:
$ sudo dpkg --configure -a
Furthermore, we need to ensure that the file permissions are correct for critical directories like /var/cache/app-info:
$ ls -ld /var/cache/app-info
drwxr-xr-x 3 root root 4096 Jun 10 12:50 /var/cache/app-info
The output should show that the root user owns the directory and that read and execute permissions are set for all users. If this isn’t the case, we can fix it:
$ sudo chmod 755 /var/cache/app-info
Moreover, if we’re still stuck, we can try enabling detailed logging during apt-get update:
$ sudo apt-get update -o Debug::pkgProblemResolver=yes
Notably, this can provide more specific error messages to help us troubleshoot further.
Finally, we need to remember to verify our repository sources and try to change repository mirrors if needed. The Software & Updates tool in Ubuntu can help us manage these settings.
5. Conclusion
In this article, we’ve covered how to tackle the “E: Problem executing scripts APT::Update::Post-Invoke-Success” error that can pop up when updating our Linux system.
We’ve explored various solutions, from dealing with problematic packages like libappstream4 to fixing symbolic links and clearing out corrupt cache files. We also touched on some other troubleshooting steps to help us dig deeper if necessary.
By following these steps, we can often resolve this error and get our package updates running smoothly again.