Synaptic Package Manager Doesn't Open - Broken Update Package

[jameswjd]

I currently run Linux Mint 19.1 Cinnamon. I've always updated in a timely manner and have historically experienced no issues with updates at all. However, yesterday when I tried to update I received a "You have 1 broken package on your system" message stopping me from completing my updates. I then tried to open the Synaptic Package Manager to access the broken filter so this issue could be fixed and the Manager would not open. I restarted my system several times and it still will not open.

What do I need to do to resolve this issue? Btw, please keep in mind that my Linux skills are very rudimentary! Especially as to the use of the Terminal line.

Thanks for the help.

[kc1di]

try this Go to a terminal and type

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synaptic 

do you get any error messages?
If that does not work try this command

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sudo dpkg --configure -a

[jameswjd]

It does show a response, however, I do not know how to cut and paste it into these emails. Can you advise please.

Thanks.

[jameswjd]

Just found out how to copy and paste it into these emails.

Here is what the Terminal shows:

Gtk-Message: 06:05:24.926: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent. This is discouraged.

(synaptic:5928): Gtk-CRITICAL **: 06:05:30.134: gtk_widget_hide: assertion 'GTK_IS_WIDGET (widget)' failed
jameswjd@jameswjd-All-Series:~$ ^C
jameswjd@jameswjd-All-Series:~$

[kc1di]

At this point I would do the following.
First, do you have a timeshift snapshot of your system before this happen? If so go back to that snapshot and see if that will fix the problem.

Second, if no snapshot try this in a terminal.

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sudo apt autoclean && sudo apt autoremove

Then,

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sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

[jameswjd]

I do have an earlier TimeStamp (my system is set to record one each month), but it won't open. Is this because Synaptic Manager won't open? Is there some way I can accomplish this without using the Manager function?

Thanks.

[jameswjd]

Sorry, I meant to say "Timeshift."

[Larry78723]

Boot from your installation media (USB/DVD) and run Timeshift from there. Once it's open, navigate to where your snapshot is and run recover.