package linux-image-extra-3.16.0-29-generic 3.16.0-29.39 failed to install/upgrade: subprocess installed post-installation script returned error exit status 1

[wes.ovall]

This seems to happen from time to time. It's usually caused by images that weren't removed after an update. It's usually fixed by removing images that were not automatically removed and so are cluttering the device. I will probably have the issue fixed on my machine before anyone reads this. The only reason I report it is because I'm betting the average user can't fix the problem.

A good permanent fix would be to have Ubuntu automatically remove old images on update to keep the space clean. I'd love to help make this happen but it's above my skill level.

ProblemType: Package
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 14.10
Package: linux-image-extra-3.16.0-29-generic 3.16.0-29.39
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 3.16.0-28.38-generic 3.16.7-ckt1
Uname: Linux 3.16.0-28-generic x86_64
ApportVersion: 2.14.7-0ubuntu8
Architecture: amd64
AudioDevicesInUse:
 USER PID ACCESS COMMAND
 /dev/snd/pcmC0D0p: wes 2940 F...m pulseaudio
 /dev/snd/controlC0: wes 2940 F.... pulseaudio
Date: Sat Jan 17 13:50:58 2015
DpkgTerminalLog: Log started: 2015-01-17 13:48:32
ErrorMessage: subprocess installed post-installation script returned error exit status 1
InstallationDate: Installed on 2014-09-07 (133 days ago)
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 14.04.1 LTS "Trusty Tahr" - Release amd64 (20140722.2)
MachineType: Acer Aspire 5735
ProcFB: 0 inteldrmfb
ProcKernelCmdLine: BOOT_IMAGE=/vmlinuz-3.16.0-28-generic root=/dev/mapper/ubuntu--vg-root ro quiet splash vt.handoff=7
PulseList: Error: command ['pacmd', 'list'] failed with exit code 1: No PulseAudio daemon running, or not running as session daemon.
RelatedPackageVersions: grub-pc 2.02~beta2-15
SourcePackage: linux
Title: package linux-image-extra-3.16.0-29-generic 3.16.0-29.39 failed to install/upgrade: subprocess installed post-installation script returned error exit status 1
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
dmi.bios.date: 09/10/2008
dmi.bios.vendor: Phoenix Technologies LTD
dmi.bios.version: V1.08
dmi.board.name: CathedralPeak
dmi.board.vendor: Acer
dmi.board.version: Rev
dmi.chassis.type: 10
dmi.chassis.vendor: Acer
dmi.chassis.version: N/A
dmi.modalias: dmi:bvnPhoenixTechnologiesLTD:bvrV1.08:bd09/10/2008:svnAcer:pnAspire5735:pvr0100:rvnAcer:rnCathedralPeak:rvrRev:cvnAcer:ct10:cvrN/A:
dmi.product.name: Aspire 5735
dmi.product.version: 0100
dmi.sys.vendor: Acer

[Brad Figg (brad-figg)]

This change was made by a bot.

[Alberto Salvia Novella (es20490446e)]

Removing automatically all the kernels is dangerous, as if the computer doesn't boot with an upgraded one the device can become permanently bricked.

So it is suggested to keep at least two kernels, if space will allow:
<https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apt/+bug/1440608>

[Cavsfan (cavsfan)]

I agree it is dangerous to auto remove all old kernels but that is exactly what I am experiencing on Vivid.
I opened this bug because of that reason /etc/kernel/postinst.d/apt-auto-removal is broken and only keeps the latest kernel.
https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/apt/+bug/1440608
Perhaps it is not distinquishing between a PC and a phone?

[Ian Weisser (ian-weisser)]

Ubuntu has automatically removed all but 2 kernels for a long time.
The bug is that it's not happening on your system.