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Fixing NVIDIA 440.64 32-bit Libraries Package Issue on Ubuntu 18.04

Ubuntu 15

In this article, we will delve into a common issue encountered by Ubuntu users – the NVIDIA 440.64 32-bit libraries package issue. This problem often arises when the 32-bit libraries conflict with the 64-bit driver package, leading to system instability or failure to launch certain applications. Here, we will provide detailed solutions to fix this issue.

Understanding the Issue

The NVIDIA 440.64 32-bit libraries package issue is often encountered when you try to install the NVIDIA driver on Ubuntu 18.04. The problem arises due to a conflict between the 32-bit libraries and the 64-bit driver package. This can lead to system instability, or certain applications failing to launch.

Solution 1: Removing NVIDIA Packages and Libraries

The first solution involves removing all NVIDIA packages and libraries. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo apt-get purge nvidia-* libnvidia-*

In this command, sudo is used to run the command with root privileges, apt-get is the package handling utility in Ubuntu, purge is used to remove the packages along with their configuration files, and nvidia-* libnvidia-* specifies the packages to be removed.

Solution 2: Disabling the CUDA Repository

Next, disable the CUDA repository temporarily. This can be done by renaming the cuda.list file in the /etc/apt/sources.list.d directory or commenting out its content:

sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list.d/cuda.list
#deb http://developer.download.nvidia.com/compute/cuda/repos/ubuntu1804/x86_64 /

In this command, sudo nano opens the file in a text editor with root privileges, and the # is used to comment out the line, effectively disabling the repository.

Solution 3: Updating the Package Lists and Checking the Candidate Version

After disabling the CUDA repository, update the package lists and check the candidate version:

sudo apt-get update
apt-cache policy nvidia-driver-[version] libnvidia-gl-[version]:i386

In these commands, sudo apt-get update updates the package lists for upgrades and new package installations, and apt-cache policy displays the priority of the installed and available package versions.

Solution 4: Reinstalling the NVIDIA Driver and Manually Installing the 32-bit Libraries

Now, reinstall the NVIDIA driver and manually install the 32-bit libraries if necessary:

sudo apt-get install nvidia-driver-[version]
sudo apt-get install libnvidia-gl-[version]:i386

In these commands, sudo apt-get install installs the specified packages, nvidia-driver-[version] is the NVIDIA driver package, and libnvidia-gl-[version]:i386 is the 32-bit libraries package.

After this, you can enable the CUDA repository again. However, the new updates will be kept back until a compatible new version of the 32-bit libraries is available.

Alternative Solution: Downgrading the NVIDIA Driver

If none of the above solutions work, you may consider downgrading to a previous version such as 435 or 430. However, it is recommended to use the latest stable version for optimal performance and compatibility.

In conclusion, the NVIDIA 440.64 32-bit libraries package issue can be resolved by following the above steps. It’s crucial to remember that these steps should be executed with caution to avoid causing additional issues. Always ensure to back up your data before making any major changes to your system.

What is the NVIDIA 440.64 32-bit libraries package issue?

The NVIDIA 440.64 32-bit libraries package issue is a problem that occurs when there is a conflict between the 32-bit libraries and the 64-bit driver package during the installation of the NVIDIA driver on Ubuntu 18.04. This conflict can lead to system instability or certain applications failing to launch.

How can I fix the NVIDIA 440.64 32-bit libraries package issue?

There are several solutions to fix this issue. The first solution involves removing all NVIDIA packages and libraries using the command sudo apt-get purge nvidia-* libnvidia-*. Another solution is to temporarily disable the CUDA repository by renaming the cuda.list file or commenting out its content in the /etc/apt/sources.list.d directory. You can then update the package lists and check the candidate version using sudo apt-get update and apt-cache policy nvidia-driver-[version] libnvidia-gl-[version]:i386. Finally, you can reinstall the NVIDIA driver and manually install the 32-bit libraries if necessary using sudo apt-get install nvidia-driver-[version] and sudo apt-get install libnvidia-gl-[version]:i386.

Should I downgrade to a previous version of the NVIDIA driver if the above solutions don’t work?

Downgrading to a previous version, such as 435 or 430, can be considered as an alternative solution if the above solutions do not work. However, it is generally recommended to use the latest stable version of the driver for optimal performance and compatibility.

Is it necessary to enable the CUDA repository again after fixing the NVIDIA 440.64 32-bit libraries package issue?

Enabling the CUDA repository again is optional. However, it is important to note that the new updates may be kept back until a compatible new version of the 32-bit libraries is available. Consider enabling the repository if you require CUDA functionality or if you need the latest updates from the repository.

What precautions should I take before attempting to fix the NVIDIA 440.64 32-bit libraries package issue?

Before attempting to fix this issue, it is highly recommended to back up your important data. Making changes to your system, such as removing packages or installing new drivers, can sometimes lead to unexpected issues. Having a backup ensures that you can revert back to a stable state if any problems arise.

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