Re: Bug#4204: cron does not install if /usr/sbin/cron does not exist!?
Yves Arrouye wrote:
> Package: cron
> Version: 3.0pl1-33
>
> Here is what I get:
>
> marin13# dpkg -i cron_3.0pl1-33.deb
> (Reading database ... 22220 files and directories currently installed.)
> Preparing to replace cron (using cron_3.0pl1-33.deb) ...
> start-stop-daemon: unable to stat executable `/usr/sbin/cron': No such file or d
> irectory
> dpkg: warning - old pre-removal script returned error exit status 2
> [snip!]
Interesting. It's failing because it's an upgrade (otherwise prerm
wouldn't be called), but /usr/sbin/cron isn't there. I'm able to
duplicate it by simply rm'ing cron, and then trying to do pretty
much anything with dpkg -- install doesn't work, and neither does
remove. I've tried --force-reinstreq ('cause one of the messages
from dpkg is "Package is in a very bad inconsistent state - you
should reinstall it before attempting a removal.") but that doesn't
help. I'm not sure how to get out of this other than going down
into the bowels of /var/dpkg and messing with the prerm script:
I don't see a --ignore-script-errors option for dpkg.
> Apparently the install fails because the installation script is run with
> -e set. If I touch /usr/sbin/cron, it installs fine.
They're supposed to have -e set. I'm not inclined to modify the
script to check for /usr/sbin/cron, because the if the prerm script
is called, then the cron package is installed, and the cron program
is supposed to be there. If it isn't, then the file has been removed
by manipulations outside the domain of the dpkg/dselect.
If all the package scripts are supposed to deal with things happening
outside the control of dpkg/dselect then I have about 300 bug
reports to file :-).
I'm not closing this bug yet, because I would like to know if there
is a way around this problem (other than 'touch /usr/bin/cron', which
may well be the best answer).
Steve Greenland
--
The Mole - I think, therefore I scream
"You know monsters... they're ALWAYS
eating power stations!"
[FLAMING CARROT vs the Giant Japanese Monsters!]
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