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I am trying to install skype in Ubuntu 12.04 and getting this error while doing so

E: The package skype:i386 needs to be reinstalled, but I can't find an archive for it.

I had followed steps provided in these links and this but same thing happens. Though I didn't tried with Ubuntu software center.

I am not able to identify what is causing trouble.

How can i fix this?

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  • what is the result of apt-cache madison skype ?
    – user224082
    Dec 26, 2013 at 6:38
  • @DuminduMahawela: here is the result of apt-cache madison skype , skype | 4.2.0.11-0ubuntu0.12.04.2 | http://archive.canonical.com/ precise/partner amd64 Packages skype | 4.2.0.11-0ubuntu0.12.04.2 | http://archive.canonical.com/ precise/partner Sources
    – shailendra
    Dec 26, 2013 at 6:49
  • So its going to install it from the main repository. When did you receive this message ? while trying to install with downloaded from skype or when use `apt-get install skype'?
    – user224082
    Dec 26, 2013 at 6:55
  • @DuminduMahawela: yes, i get this message while i tried to download skype through apt-het install skype and now even after trying every possible thing, i am unable to fix this.While searching even i get a suggestion,that may be i have to re-install ubuntu 12.04
    – shailendra
    Dec 26, 2013 at 7:07
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    Run gksudo gedit /var/lib/dpkg/status. In the resulting text file search for the sections start with Package : skype. Delete the whole section. If not yet resolved, see weather there is a .deb file of skype in /var/cache/apt/archives/ folder. ( even in partial subfolder).
    – user224082
    Dec 26, 2013 at 7:47

2 Answers 2

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Delete skype (recommended Completely removal), Download it from http://www.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-computer/ , and reinstall.

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  • I am not even able to remove skype completely.I am using sudo apt-get autoremove --purge skype and now it's not even allowing me to install any thing on ubuntu 12.04 LTS
    – shailendra
    Dec 26, 2013 at 7:36
  • Try Synaptic package meneger.
    – L.V.A
    Dec 26, 2013 at 8:52
  • sudo apt-get install synaptic for install
    – L.V.A
    Dec 26, 2013 at 8:52
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Problem is the package skype has been configured as installed.

Perhaps it may be due to your previous installation attempts.

Data about configured packages are stored in /var/lib/dpkg/ folder. in further, details about Installed packages stored in it's status sub folder. So it seems manual removing of that wrong detail is needed.

Run :

gksudo gedit /var/lib/dpkg/status

In the resulting text file search for the sections start with

Package : skype 

Delete the whole section.

Then run updating and try to install it again.

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