Update manager not downloading updates, showing bug

You could try:

          sudo apt-get -f install <packagename>

E: dpkg was interrupted, you must manually run 'dpkg --configure -a' to correct the problem.

what should i type in <package name> as there are 252 of about 254Mb of updates. I want to install all the updates to make my system more efficient.
Thanking you

E: dpkg was interrupted, you must manually run 'dpkg --configure -a' to correct the problem.
E: _cache->open() failed, please report.

The problem is mention above. Now tell me how to solve this bug to get updates and plugin. I think this bad for having one centallized update system in ubuntu, now in my case due to one problem all the update in other programes like Mozilla firefox and codec download is not working... why not ubuntu make update application independent, so if one application update cause problem others can get update using internet.
Thanking You

I'm sorry, I misunderstood your problem. Try this:

   sudo dpkg --configure -a

In the terminal. (Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal - Assuming you are using the GNOME interface)

i am first time using linux, so need some detail.
As you mention i typed the command in terminal and got bellow message:-

dpkg: unknown option --configure-a

Type dpkg --help for help about installing and deinstalling packages [*];
Use `dselect' or `aptitude' for user-friendly package management;
Type dpkg -Dhelp for a list of dpkg debug flag values;
Type dpkg --force-help for a list of forcing options;
Type dpkg-deb --help for help about manipulating *.deb files;
Type dpkg --license for copyright license and lack of warranty (GNU GPL) [*].

Options marked [*] produce a lot of output - pipe it through `less' or `more' !

what should i do now to get update manager work normally?

Yep, Arthur has it right there, see this link to see that his advice will work
https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/synaptic/+question/67778

Good luck and regards from
Tom :)

In a terminal console type (or copy&paste) in

sudo dpkg --configure -a

it will ask for your normal user password, not your SuperUser/Root one

Earlier also i get the same command, but being a first time user of ubuntu i made mistake in spacing. Tom approached me and on his suggestion of copy and past the command in terminal solved the problem. I am very happy and want to thank you for your support and help. following is the link that guide me for copy and past the command is really useful:-
https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/synaptic/+question/67778
Thanking you

thanking you

You are welcome. It's good when people manage to fix things that were a struggle. Welcome to linux-land, especially the Ubuntu corner of it :)))
Good luck and have fun, regards from
Tom :)

Hi folks--thanks for your tip, which I have followed as I also cannot download updates (keeps trying endlessly): I have typed in the line you recommended at the terminal, logged in with my password, and now have a $. What's the next step? I am completely ignorant when it comes to the command line--hope you can help.
Dawn

Dawn
Please post this as a new question using this link
https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/update-manager/+addquestion
or by going to the Launchpad website and either roll down beyond the end of the thread of this question or something.

Thanks and regards from
Tom :)

PS Don't worry about this. Trying to post a new question gives you a list of 10 nearest most likely "Solved" answers but it might be that you're having a slightly different problem. It helps the Ubuntu Community when people post questions :)

Dawn
Please re-post but this time scroll down to the bottom of the list of similar questions in order to post your own question

Dawn
Please re-post but this time scroll down to the bottom of the list of similar questions in order to post your own question

Thank you Tom for kindly helping me with the correct protocol.
Dawn

On Thu, Apr 30, 2009 at 1:42 PM, Tom
<email address hidden> wrote:
> Question #67741 on update-manager in ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/update-manager/+question/67741
>
> Tom posted a new comment:
> Dawn
> Please post this as a new question using this link
> https://answers.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/update-manager/+addquestion
> or by going to the Launchpad website and either roll down beyond the end of the thread of this question or something.
>
> Thanks and regards from
> Tom :)
>
> PS Don't worry about this.  Trying to post a new question gives you a
> list of 10 nearest most likely "Solved" answers but it might be that
> you're having a slightly different problem.  It helps the Ubuntu
> Community when people post questions :)
>
> --
> You received this question notification because you are a direct
> subscriber of the question.
>

You're welcome Dawn :) I just hope the front desk can give you a good answer that helps you sort this out. Sorry for the double posting btw, my connection to LaunchPad went a bit odd last night.

Good luck with this, regards from
Tom :)

Try to run dpkg configure a it works.