Error Message While Installing an RPM

Q: Errors on Software Installation

How do I install an RPM from a CD or the Internet? I keep getting an error message when I use Gnome-RPM.

A: Having "Permission"

If you're getting the error message similar to "failed to open /var/lib/rpm/packages.rpm" (see Figure 7-2 ) it's likely due to the your permissions .

When you install software, you're often required to make system-wide changes -- changes which only root can enact. In your user account, permission to make such changes will be unavailable to you by default.

Here's a way to install RPMs in your home directory -- so you can work with them in your user account.

1. Open an Xterm window and, at the shell prompt, type su , then your rootpassword .

2. At the prompt -- which should now be a hash mark ( # ) -- type gnorpm to start Gnome-RPM .

3. Install or upgrade your package.

4. Exit from Gnome-RPM then, to exit from superuser mode, at the shell prompt, type exit .

For more information about RPM and Gnome-RPM , refer to the chapters in this guide or, for greater depth, refer to the Official Red Hat Linux Reference Guide .