Update Manager could not initialize the package information (11.04-amd64-natty)

[Radu C]

- message box on fresh ubuntu/wubi on Win7 install:
"Could not initialize the package information
An unresolvable problem occurred while initializing the package information.
Please report this bug against the 'update-manager' package and include the following error message:

'E:Encountered a section with no Package: header,
E:Problem with MergeList /var/lib/apt/lists/security.ubuntu.com_ubuntu_dists_natty-security_universe_binary-amd64_Packages,
E:The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened.' [Close]"

To get this error, click "Update manager" > [immediately shows above message box].

noteworthy: "Additional drivers" doesn't start (no error message), and Ubuntu Software Center opens, and goes on to show the waiting symbol, indefinitely.

[Manfred Hampl (m-hampl)]

fro workaround for the 'package' problem see https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+faq/1591

[Manfred Hampl (m-hampl)]

The 'package' problem is a duplicate of bug 346386

"Additional drivers" not starting and
"Software Center" waiting indefinitely most probably are different issues