When apt-get update runs, it updates package lists. It may also trigger post-install scripts via dpkg. Normally, it exits with code 0. But sometimes it returns exit code 10. That means a post-installation script failed during the configure phase. This can happen when the script encounters missing dependencies, syntax errors, or permission issues. The exit code 10 standard comes from dpkg itself—see man dpkg for its exit codes.
What is task command apt-get update exit code 10?
A bit more context: dpkg has a configure phase. It unpacks the package, then runs its postinst script. If that script exits non-zero (usually via #!/bin/sh), dpkg returns exit code 10. Typical causes? The script may call a binary that’s missing, require another package not installed, or lack needed permissions. Syntax mistakes in shell code or missing files in /var/lib/dpkg/info/ can break it too.
When will you meet exit code 10?
You might see it in these scenarios:
Running apt-get update, apt-get install, or apt full-upgrade when a package's postinst script fails.
Upgrading packages after a crash—scripts can get corrupted.
File system errors under /var/lib/dpkg/info/ or /var/lib/dpkg/status.
Interrupted apt or dpkg processes leading to half-configured states.
Rarely, package bugs—e.g., grub or nginx postinst scripts crashing (/bin/sh: 0: not found or permission denied errors).
How to solve task command apt-get update exit code 10?
Step 1. Reinstall the Package
If files are missing, reinstall the package:
sudo apt-get install --reinstall nginx
Step 2. Repair Package Metadata
If reinstalling doesn't work, fix corrupt metadata:
sudo mv /var/lib/dpkg/info/nginx.* ~/dpkg-info-backup/
sudo dpkg --configure -D777 nginx
sudo apt-get -f install
Step 3. Debug Script Failures
To trace issues in postinst scripts:
sudo strace -f -o /tmp/apt-debug.log apt-get update
Check logs:
sudo tail /var/log/dpkg.log
journalctl -u apt
Step 4. Edit or Stub Postinst Script
If script errors are found, you can replace it with a stub:
echo -e '#!/bin/sh\nexit 0' | sudo tee /var/lib/dpkg/info/nginx.postinst
sudo chmod +x /var/lib/dpkg/info/nginx.postinst
sudo dpkg --configure nginx
Step 5. Check Metadata Corruption
If metadata is corrupt, run:
sudo dpkg --audit
sudo fsck -y /dev/sdXn
Rebuild metadata:
sudo mkdir /var/lib/dpkg/backup
sudo cp -r /var/lib/dpkg/info /var/lib/dpkg/backup/
sudo rm -rf /var/lib/dpkg/info/*
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install --reinstall dpkg
Step 6. Fix Dependencies
To resolve broken dependencies:
sudo apt-get -f install
sudo dpkg --configure -a
Step 7. Verify Package Integrity
To check for file corruption:
sudo apt-get install debsums
sudo debsums -s
For deeper verification:
sudo dpkg --verify nginx
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apt-get update error FAQs
Q1: How do I stub a postinst script?
Move the original then run echo '#!/bin/sh\nexit 0' | sudo tee /var/lib/dpkg/info/<pkg>.postinst and sudo chmod +x …
Q2: What does debsums -s do?
It silently checks installed packages for corrupted files and reports only errors.
Q3: Can I skip fsck if metadata is corrupt?
No—running fsck helps fix disk errors before repairing dpkg metadata.
Conclusion
Exit code 10 from apt-get update means a post-install script failed during dpkg configuration. Fixes range from reinstalling the package and resolving dependencies to debugging scripts and repairing metadata. Use tools like strace, log files, debsums, and dpkg --verify to find root causes. Prevent issues by testing updates, holding risky packages, and monitoring integrity. And after recovery, back up your VMs with Vinchin for reliable protection.
