Ubuntu – Installing skype will not work – skype-bin not installable, and ‘held broken packages’

aptpackage-managementskype

So, I am trying to install skype through apt-get, but after running into this problem multiple times, and trying to find a solution, it still doesn't work…

I tried all the answers here: Installing Skype on 12.04 64 bit causes errors, but I still get the error. (my problem is exactly the same as that one, too) I even went and edited the package status thing manually, and removed all references to 'skype' or 'skype-bin'. I still get the problem… I'm running ubuntu 12.10, as a dual-boot with windows 7. It's a 64-bit computer.

Best Answer

I found the solution to this problem from a different post.

First a downgrade is required and done with the following:

create the 'preferences' file:

sudo vi /etc/apt/preferences

and insert the following lines:

Package: *       
Pin: release a=quantal*
Pin-Priority: 2012

enter :wq to write the file. Pin-Priority must be greater than 1000.

Then you may downgrade the offending applications with:

sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

That's it.

Now use sudo apt-get install skype

And it works!

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