package postfix 2.6.5-3 failed to install/upgrade: subprocess installed post-installation script returned error exit status 1

[MarkM]

Binary package hint: postfix

This response occurs now after all updates. Originally started after SYNAPTIC requested some updates. Included in these was some new additions ie including Google Chrome & something about mailx. I had already installed Google Chrome beta from the Google website. I just left everything checked and assumed that all dependencies and/or duplications would sort themselves out. Additionally, installing apps from the Ubuntu Software Centre appears to fail, however when you check the apps, they appear to be installed. When installing from the USC, entering authentication details (ie password)appears to be ignored & pressing the Esc button clears this so I am uncertain then whether all dependencies have been met. I am relatively inexperienced in these matters.

E: postfix: subprocess installed post-installation script returned error exit status 1
E: bsd-mailx: dependency problems - leaving unconfigured
E: mailx: dependency problems - leaving unconfigured
E: lsb-core: dependency problems - leaving unconfigured
E: lsb-graphics: dependency problems - leaving unconfigured
E: lsb-cxx: dependency problems - leaving unconfigured
E: lsb-desktop: dependency problems - leaving unconfigured
E: lsb: dependency problems - leaving unconfigured
E: google-chrome-beta: dependency problems - leaving unconfigured
E: policykit: subprocess installed post-installation script returned error exit status 1
E: policykit-gnome: dependency problems - leaving unconfigured
E: gnome-lirc-properties: dependency problems - leaving unconfigured

ProblemType: Package
Architecture: i386
Date: Sat Feb 27 16:16:48 2010
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 9.10
ErrorMessage: subprocess installed post-installation script returned error exit status 1
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 9.10 "Karmic Koala" - Release i386 (20091028.2)
NonfreeKernelModules: fglrx
Package: postfix 2.6.5-3
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 2.6.31-19.56-generic
SourcePackage: postfix
Title: package postfix 2.6.5-3 failed to install/upgrade: subprocess installed post-installation script returned error exit status 1
Uname: Linux 2.6.31-19-generic i686

[Mathias Gug (mathiaz)]

The root of the problem is:

useradd: cannot lock /etc/passwd; try again later.