6

I am trying to run the command dpkg --configure -a in order to fix dpkg so I can apt-get programs.

I get the error addgroup: The group 'systemd-journal' already exists as a system group. Exiting.

This apparently corresponds to the following bug.

https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/systemd/+bug/1475094

Is there a way to overcome this problem for now to get my system working until the bug gets fixed?

The system is Ubuntu 16.04 server 32 bit.

|improve this question
  • Does the systemd-journal have any members? What's the output of grep 'systemd-journal:' /etc/group? – terdon♦ Jul 11 '16 at 10:49
  • It appears that the group has no members, There is no output at all. – Huw Evans Jul 11 '16 at 10:59
  • That shouldn't be a halting error in the first place. Have you filed a bg? – Shadur Jul 11 '16 at 12:14
  • There is already a bug in place. ie the one listed above. Should I add myself to the list of effected users or something? – Huw Evans Jul 11 '16 at 19:13
6

If the group is empty, you could just remove it and then run your dpkg command. Since the command itself, apparently, creates the group, after running it everything should be fine. So, first:

sudo delgroup --only-if-empty systemd-journal

And then

sudo dpkg --configure -a

Once that has run, make sure the group was recreated and, if not, create it again.

|improve this answer
  • 1
    That solved the problem. I had to reboot for some reason but it's working now. – Huw Evans Jul 11 '16 at 11:28
  • You could just log off X Windows and log in again or run another shell and start virtualbox from there. New added groups does not propagate on running shell or X Windows. – killdaclick Jun 27 '17 at 6:48

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.