package openoffice.org-filter-binfilter 1:3.1.1-5ubuntu1 failed to install/upgrade: subprocess new pre-installation script returned error exit status 1

[Saverio J Marasco (Sam)]

Binary package hint: openoffice.org

during installation of 38 updates including open office core this error was generated:

E: /var/cache/apt/archives/openoffice.org-emailmerge_1%3a3.1.1-5ubuntu1.1_all.deb: subprocess new pre-installation script returned error exit status 1

second attempt still kept saying I had OO running, but I had disabled quickstart--- here are the error mesages:

E: /var/cache/apt/archives/openoffice.org-evolution_1%3a3.1.1-5ubuntu1.1_amd64.deb: subprocess new pre-installation script returned error exit status 1
E: /var/cache/apt/archives/openoffice.org-filter-binfilter_1%3a3.1.1-5ubuntu1.1_amd64.deb: subprocess new pre-installation script returned error exit status 1
E: /var/cache/apt/archives/openoffice.org-core_1%3a3.1.1-5ubuntu1.1_amd64.deb: conflicting packages - not installing openoffice.org-core

Ubuntu Release: amd64 v9.10

I expected updates to install smoothly as they have been for years. This is the first time I can remember the Ybuntu Update service crashing so badly, and on so many facets

ProblemType: Package
Architecture: amd64
Date: Wed Feb 24 11:27:34 2010
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 9.10
ErrorMessage: subprocess new pre-installation script returned error exit status 1
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 9.10 "Karmic Koala" - Release amd64 (20091027)
Package: openoffice.org-filter-binfilter 1:3.1.1-5ubuntu1
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 2.6.31-19.56-generic
SourcePackage: openoffice.org
Title: package openoffice.org-filter-binfilter 1:3.1.1-5ubuntu1 failed to install/upgrade: subprocess new pre-installation script returned error exit status 1
Uname: Linux 2.6.31-19-generic x86_64