package samba 2:3.5.8~dfsg-1ubuntu2.3 failed to install/upgrade: ErrorMessage: package samba is not ready for configuration cannot configure (current status `half-installed')

[jonty Davis]

The current version has been working although I have found it difficult to configure but on several occasions over the last 6 months update manager has attempted to install the next version and failed

ProblemType: Package
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 11.10
Package: samba 2:3.5.8~dfsg-1ubuntu2.3
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 2.6.38-11.50-generic 2.6.38.8
Uname: Linux 2.6.38-11-generic i686
ApportVersion: 1.23-0ubuntu3
Architecture: i386
Date: Sun Oct 16 11:04:27 2011
ErrorMessage: ErrorMessage: package samba is not ready for configuration cannot configure (current status `half-installed')
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 10.10 "Maverick Meerkat" - Release i386 (20101007)
RelatedPackageVersions:
 nautilus 1:3.2.0-0ubuntu5
 gvfs 1.10.0-0ubuntu1
SambaClientRegression: No
SourcePackage: samba
Title: package samba 2:3.5.8~dfsg-1ubuntu2.3 failed to install/upgrade: ErrorMessage: package samba is not ready for configuration cannot configure (current status `half-installed')
UpgradeStatus: Upgraded to oneiric on 2011-10-15 (0 days ago)