Lubuntu Upgrader hangs on "Status: Waiting for configuration file prompt" - how to work around the issue

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Every once in a while, an update may be released for Lubuntu that wants to replace a configuration file that has been changed or appears to have been changed by the end user or a script. Usually when this happens, the user is given a choice to either keep the existing configuration file or replace it. Up until very recently, the Lubuntu updater has been unable to handle this situation. When an update comes through that replaces a configuration file in this way, the updater simply freezes, while displaying a message “Status: Waiting for configuration file prompt”.

While we have now added the needed features to deal with this situation, we are sadly unable to make the updater update itself before the rest of the system is updated. This means that it is possible (and even quite likely) that users will still encounter this bug. In particular, new installations of Lubuntu 22.04 made using a 22.04 or 22.04.1 ISO are virtually guaranteed to encounter this problem when you first update the system. (This will not affect 22.04.2 ISO when it is released, but it has not yet been released.)

Thankfully, due to how updates on Ubuntu work, there are some relatively simple solutions.

Solution 1 (Difficulty Level: Easy)

  1. When the updater freezes on “Status: Waiting for configuration file prompt”, wait for a while (10 minutes or so). This will give your system time to finish writing any changes to the disk.
  2. Power off the system by pressing and holding the power button. (You will not be able to shut down the system normally in this state, since the update blocks a normal shutdown.)
  3. Power the system back on.
  4. If the system fails to boot, power it off, then back on. When the GRUB menu displays, select “Advanced Options for Ubuntu”, then boot into an older kernel (usually this can be done by selecting the third item in the list that displays).
  5. When Lubuntu boots, open the Application Menu, search for “Apply”, and click “Apply Full Upgrade”. Then provide your password. The updater will repair the interrupted update and install any new updates.

In the event shutting down your system is inconvenient or impossible, or if you don’t want to risk a failed boot, you can use Solution 2 below.

Solution 2 (Difficulty Level: Moderate)

  1. When the updater freezes on “Status: Waiting for configuration file prompt”, close the window.
  2. Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open a terminal.
  3. Type sudo killall aptd and press Enter to stop the update. You will be asked for your password. You may have to run this multiple times - repeat this step until you see the command say “aptd: no process found”.
  4. Close the terminal window.
  5. Open the Application Menu, search for “Apply”, and click “Apply Full Upgrade”. Then provide your password. The system will repair the interrupted update and install any new updates that are available.

Thank you for your patience, and we hope you continue to enjoy using Lubuntu!

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