package libappindicator3-1 12.10.1+16.04.20170215-0ubuntu1 failed to install/upgrade: package libappindicator3-1 is already installed and configured

[Tony Pratschke]

I am not sure which package it applies to but dpkg does popup. I am using Ubuntu 16.04 LTS on an old Dell. The problem emerges when I try to update software on notification that updates are available. The OS updates usually fail and my screen freezes. I am not an expert in Ubuntu but if I know what I should be looking for then I can usually access that. My feedback so far says nothing about the package libappindicator1 being already installed but I have seen that name as part of the failure message. I can't be certain that the problem is a bug. I have two old second-hand computers that I bought for other purposes. I have been installing and trying different flavours of Linux on them to see which suits their limitations.

Recently I bought a new ASUS stand alone computer which came supplied with Windows 7. I had upgraded them in a short space of time to Windows 10. In January the whole system crashed. It took me over a month to get a response from Microsoft and when they did, I was connected to a customer service unit in India. They had difficulty understanding me and I had difficulty understanding them, but it was clear that they did not believe that I was a legitimate owner of the Microsoft OS. Evenually they gave in and I got it going. Two weeks later it crashed again but this time I found it impossible to load any OS. Nothing was recognised. I am 78 and have been working with computers since 1960. I have no patience or time to waste on Bill Gates and his Ghoulish Grannies ("Are you sure you're sure you want to do that?!") so I have dumped Microsoft and am working totally with Linux. I am active online organising courses and meetings for the Pachamama Alliance (www.pachamama.org), for DiEM25 Democracy in Europe Movement, for my own online activities (www.wolflander.ie) [This site is currently under reconstruction) and for my online blog on political and social issues in Ireland and Europe [www.tonypratschke.com].

I added the second paragraph, not to impress you with what I do, but to make clear that I am totally dependant on Linux for my activities now, so it is important for me to solve this problem. I am trying to replace the damaged ASUS under its warranty and if I get that running again, it will be an Ubuntu machine also!

Best wishes,

Tony
<email address hidden>

ProblemType: Package
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 16.04
Package: libappindicator3-1 12.10.1+16.04.20170215-0ubuntu1
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 4.8.0-49.52~16.04.1-generic 4.8.17
Uname: Linux 4.8.0-49-generic i686
ApportVersion: 2.20.1-0ubuntu2.5
AptdaemonVersion: 1.1.1+bzr982-0ubuntu14
Architecture: i386
Date: Thu May 11 20:46:05 2017
DuplicateSignature:
 package:libappindicator3-1:12.10.1+16.04.20170215-0ubuntu1
 Processing triggers for systemd (229-4ubuntu17) ...
 dpkg: error processing package libappindicator3-1 (--configure):
  package libappindicator3-1 is already installed and configured
ErrorMessage: package libappindicator3-1 is already installed and configured
InstallationDate: Installed on 2017-05-05 (6 days ago)
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 16.04.2 LTS "Xenial Xerus" - Release i386 (20170215.2)
RelatedPackageVersions:
 dpkg 1.18.4ubuntu1.2
 apt 1.2.20
SourcePackage: dpkg
Title: package libappindicator3-1 12.10.1+16.04.20170215-0ubuntu1 failed to install/upgrade: package libappindicator3-1 is already installed and configured
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)