#How to fix safely "Could not get lock /var/lib/apt/lists/lock?

1 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

dreamy comet
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While downgrading Java 26.0.1 to Java 17 working on Linux Mint - Cinnamon 64-bit, I'm struggling with the following type of issue:

 
N: Be aware that removing the lock file is not a solution and may break your system"```

while executing the step as:

`sudo apt update`

Based on it, my question is the following:
how can I handle this situation painlessly and get rid of the error?

Should I kill the process:
`sudo killall mint-refresh-ca`?

or are there any not such critical solutions?

Thank you in advance.
proven epochBOT
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<@&987246399047479336> please have a look, thanks.

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Here is an AI assisted attempt to answer your question 🤖. Maybe it helps! In any case, a human is on the way 👍. To continue talking to the AI, you can use </chatgpt:1108714622413963314>.

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TJ-Bot
While downgrading `Java 26.0.1` to `Java 17` working on `Linux Mint - Cinnamon 64-bit`, I'm struggling with the following type of issue: ```"Could not get lock /var/lib/apt/lists/lock. It is held by process [number] (mint-refresh-ca)   N: Be aware that re

The error "Could not get lock /var/lib/apt/lists/lock. It is held by ..." indicates that another package management process (like apt, apt-get, or dpkg) is currently running or was interrupted, holding the lock file.

To fix this safely:

  • Check for running package processes: Run ps aux | grep -E 'apt|dpkg' to see if there’s an active process.
  • Wait or terminate cautiously: If an update or install is in progress, let it finish. If you’re sure nothing is running, you can terminate stuck processes with sudo kill <PID>.
  • Remove the lock file only if no package manager is running: After confirming no active processes, remove the lock with sudo rm /var/lib/apt/lists/lock and try again.
  • Avoid simultaneous package operations: Always run one apt command at a time to prevent lock conflicts.

This approach avoids corrupting your package database or interrupting vital system operations while downgrading Java versions on Linux Mint.

Useful links:

- AI generated response using gpt-4.1-mini model
full mica
dreamy comet
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I’ll give updates if I have the real progress🤝

dreamy comet
unborn tide
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it is used by background process

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only 1 process can update at the same time

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just restart the computer

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if the lock file is still there after restart

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there was a error

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the os may be unstable then

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but you can still continue

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you just remove the lock file and continue do not do it

dreamy comet
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It sounds definitely reasonable.

It makes sense. It looks like the processes need to be reset.

unborn tide
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it is just a security by apt

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just wait for the background process

dreamy comet
proven epochBOT
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@dreamy comet

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dreamy comet
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So the question can be closed.