Tip: apt-get can’t find any package in Ubuntu Maverick 10.10? Rename Your Repositories.

It appears that the shipped version of Ubuntu Maverick 10.10 (at least the server version) comes with repository server URLs that are incorrect – or at least non-functioning. I discovered this the hard way after much trial, error, and self-doubt. I hope the masses benefit from my suffering. :)

The symptoms:

• Can connect to the network
• Can run “sudo apt-get update”
• Can run “sudo apt-get upgrade”
• Cannot run “sudo apt-get install [package name]” for ANY package.

The Solution:

• Open nano to edit the file: sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list

• Edit all http://us.archive.ubuntu.com to http://archive.ubuntu.com
• Uncomment all the lines that start with “deb” or “deb-src” (if you know what you’re doing). NOTE: Make sure that the text starts the line (i.e. don’t leave a space – bad practice).

• CTRL + X, Y to allow overwrite, enter to save to the current file name.

• Update packages: sudo apt-get update
• Upgrade:sudo apt-get upgrade
• Badda-bing, it works!

Not sure if this is an ongoing or temporary issue, but hopefully this will be fixed by the team in time one way or another.

NOTE: This is a bit of short-hand post, meant mostly as a reference for those who know their way around a little. If you have any questions, please ask in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help! For the full discussion, please see the thread on ServerFault.com.

Thanks for reading. Any clarifications or other tips regarding this? Sound off in the comments – all are welcome!