Arch Linux update – error with file conflicts

If you have Arch installed, and running a pacman update (CLI or GUI) results in an error message like:

error: failed to commit transaction (conflicting files)
initscripts: /etc/profile.d/locale.sh exists in filesystem
Errors occurred, no packages were upgraded.

the solution is generally simple.

As superuser just rename (DONT DELETE) the file referenced:
sudo mv /etc/profile.dlocale.sh /etc/profile.d/locale.sh.old

and re-run pacman/update. This should fix the problem.

In case it does not, you can rename the offending file back to its original name – now you see why it is not good to just delete system files. ;=)

About Martin

Computer enthusiast, radio amateur
This entry was posted in IT General and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink.

2 Responses to Arch Linux update – error with file conflicts

  1. Ben says:

    Thanks!

    I’m new to Arch and my heart sunk after getting through the install and seeing this error. Thanks to you, I am up and running! I appreciate it!!!

  2. Dave says:

    This was a real lifesaver for me as well. thanks for posting.

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