package virtualbox-ose 4.0.4-dfsg-1ubuntu4.1 failed to install/upgrade: subprocess installed pre-removal script returned error exit status 1

[Coen Naninck]

Here's what happens:

1) Virtual machine is shut down improperly (i.e. not via the OS's proper means of shutting down a machine, but by hard power off).
2) Delete the virtual machine.
3) Create a new virtual machine.

At this point VirtualBox throws an error.

My workaround:

1) Start Ubuntu Software Center.
2) Uninstall VirtualBox.
3) Close Ubuntu Software Center.
4) Start Ubuntu Software Center.
5) Install VirtualBox.

Start VirtualBox and problem is gone.

System info:

Ubuntu release: 11.04
Package version: 4.0.4-dfsg-1ubuntu4.1 (virtualbox-ose-qt)
Expected: Add new virtual machine.
Actual: Virtual machine couldn't be added because of error. (I'm sorry but I no longer have the error message on hand. Will add when I see it next time.)

ProblemType: Package
DistroRelease: Ubuntu 11.04
Package: virtualbox-ose 4.0.4-dfsg-1ubuntu4.1
ProcVersionSignature: Ubuntu 2.6.38-8.42-generic 2.6.38.2
Uname: Linux 2.6.38-8-generic x86_64
NonfreeKernelModules: vboxpci vboxdrv
Architecture: amd64
Date: Wed Nov 30 15:37:41 2011
ErrorMessage: subprocess installed pre-removal script returned error exit status 1
InstallationMedia: Ubuntu 11.04 "Natty Narwhal" - Release amd64 (20110427.1)
SourcePackage: virtualbox-ose
Title: package virtualbox-ose 4.0.4-dfsg-1ubuntu4.1 failed to install/upgrade: subprocess installed pre-removal script returned error exit status 1
UpgradeStatus: No upgrade log present (probably fresh install)
VirtualBoxOse.DpkgList:
 ii linux-headers-2.6.38-8 2.6.38-8.42 Header files related to Linux kernel version 2.6.38
 ii linux-headers-2.6.38-8-generic 2.6.38-8.42 Linux kernel headers for version 2.6.38 on x86/x86_64
 ii linux-headers-generic 2.6.38.8.22 Generic Linux kernel headers
 ri virtualbox-ose 4.0.4-dfsg-1ubuntu4.1 x86 virtualization solution - base binaries
 rc virtualbox-ose-qt 4.0.4-dfsg-1ubuntu4.1 x86 virtualization solution - Qt based user interface
VirtualBoxOse.ModInfo:

[Coen Naninck (coen-naninck)]

Just happened again. Usual workaround didn't work this time. Errors now attached.