Update

[Leonard Chatagnier]

--- On Thu, 11/27/08, Keith Clark <keithclark at k-wbookworm.com> wrote:

> From: Keith Clark <keithclark at k-wbookworm.com>
> Subject: Update
> To: ubuntu-users at lists.ubuntu.com
> Date: Thursday, November 27, 2008, 10:15 AM
> I am trying to install updates but i get the following
> error:
> 
> > Unable to get an exclusive lock
> >
> > This usually means that another package management
> application (like 
> > apt-get or aptitude) is already running. Please close
> that application 
> > first.
> I am not running any other apt-get or aptitude to my
> knowledge.
> 
Try simply rm-ing the file:
/var/cache/apt/archives/lock
which usually is the cause.  Also, look in the partial directory in the above dir to see if there may be a lock file there and remove it also.
It may help the list if you told us which package manager you are running.  Also double check that something like synaptic, update manager, adept manager, software sources is running that you are not aware of or is running in the background.  HTH, if not post back listing what you've done and any error messages.  Removing the lock fire should fix not being able to update. 
Leonard Chatagnier
lenc5570 at sbcglobal.net