Software Updater

[Geoffrey Combes]

This replies to Chris Robinson's advice of 16th July.
Thanks Chris, here is some more information.
Firstly, 1. I realised that, if I uninstalled Software Updater I would 
not be able to re-install it, and
            2. When updating I can see that the downloading is 
successful; it seems that it is the installation that is failing.
Observations:
I watched the 'details' while updating was in process. 'Reading the 
database' reached 55% thereupon the error window appeared reporting 
simply 'Package operation failed'.
When installing an application in Ubuntu Software Center 'details' 
reported 100% success at extracting templates, then stepped through 
'Reading the database' in 5% intervals, stopping after reaching 55% 
thereupon the error window appeared reporting simply 'Package operation 
failed' and reporting details concluding with 'Error in function'.
That is all the error information that I can glean.
14.04 has been operating perfectly many weeks since the PC's processor 
heat sink and fan were replaced (it was blocked with fibre causing 
frequent stoppage through high temperature).
Geoffrey Combes