How to fix dpkg-deb: error: failed to read archive in APT

The most common cause is a failed or corrupted download. Remove the problematic file and download it again from the official repository or source:

rm ~/path/to/package.deb
wget https://example.com/package.deb

Verify the file is not empty or truncated:

file package.deb

A valid .deb file should show as "Debian binary package".

If the package was downloaded via apt, cached corrupted versions may persist. Clear the entire cache:

sudo apt clean

Or remove only the problematic package:

sudo rm /var/cache/apt/archives/package-name*.deb

Then retry the installation.

Older dpkg versions do not support modern compression formats. Update to ensure compatibility:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install --only-upgrade dpkg

If you are blocked from apt, download dpkg manually from your distribution's repository and install with: sudo dpkg -i dpkg*.deb

If the installation was interrupted mid-way, the dpkg database may be in an inconsistent state. Reconfigure all packages:

sudo dpkg --configure -a

This command tells dpkg to finish configuring any partially installed packages.

After reconfiguring, resolve any lingering dependency issues:

sudo apt install -f

This command installs or removes packages to satisfy dependencies.

If the error persists across multiple packages, your storage device may have hardware issues. Check system logs for I/O errors:

sudo dmesg | tail -20

Look for messages about read/write errors or timeout. If found, run a file system check on the next reboot:

sudo fsck -n /dev/sdX

(Replace sdX with your device; use -n to preview without making changes)

As a last resort, if you are certain the package is safe, attempt installation with the --force-overwrite flag:

sudo dpkg -i --force-overwrite package.deb

Use this only if you trust the package source and have no other options.