*note*I'm a new user to Ask Ubuntu and I've only recently switched to Ubuntu 12.04. When I try to open the software center (Ubuntu 12.04 32-bit) it will flash open, load for maybe 1-2 seconds, and then close. When i try using: sudo apt-get purge software center sudo apt-get install sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get upgrade I get this within the terminal: Reading package lists... Error! E: Problem parsing dependency Depends E: Error occurred while processing printer-driver-hpcups (NewVersion2) E: Problem with MergeList /var/lib/dpkg/status E: The package lists or status file could not be parsed or opened. *The problem fixed itself after I shut down my laptop for the night and turned it back on to check my e-mail this afternoon. If anyone could tell me how to fix this problem in the future please do, I would like to learn about these kind of things because i don't plan on putting windows on my laptop again :P *