files/directories were installed but not shipped in any package

Astor Nivec

3 min read

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01-10-2024

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Mystery Files: When Files Appear But No Package Claims Them

Have you ever opened your system's file explorer and found files or directories that seem to have materialized out of thin air? You're not alone. This perplexing situation, often described as "files/directories were installed but not shipped in any package," can leave even seasoned Linux users scratching their heads.

Let's delve into the common causes and how to tackle this mystery.

The Usual Suspects:

1. Manual Installation:

• Question: "I found a directory containing executables, but no package claims responsibility. What could it be?" - Source: GitHub Issue
• Answer: You've likely stumbled upon files installed manually. This could be a result of:
  • Downloading and extracting an archive: Many programs offer self-contained packages, requiring you to unpack them manually.
  • Compiling from source: Some software requires building from source code, leading to files residing in the installation directory.
  • Third-party repositories: If you've added external repositories, they might offer packages not found in the standard distribution.

2. System Updates or Upgrades:

• Question: "After a system upgrade, I have new files that weren't present before. Is this normal?" - Source: GitHub Discussion
• Answer: System updates often bring changes, including new files. While packages are generally responsible for installation, some updates might involve manual modifications.

3. Configuration Files:

• Question: "Why are there hidden .config files that are not part of any package?" - Source: Stack Overflow
• Answer: Many applications store configuration data in hidden directories. These files aren't typically included in packages but are created during the program's initial setup or user interaction.

4. Orphaned Files:

• Question: "I uninstalled a program, but some of its files remain. What's going on?" - Source: GitHub Issue
• Answer: Package managers strive for clean removal, but sometimes files slip through the cracks. This could happen due to:
  • Incomplete uninstallation: An interrupted uninstallation process can leave remnants behind.
  • Manual modifications: If you've manually edited files within a package's directory, they might not be removed automatically.

Diagnosing the Mystery:

1. Check the Installation Path:

• Question: "How do I know where the files originated from?" - Source: GitHub Discussion
• Answer: Observe the file's location. If it's in a standard installation directory (e.g., /usr/bin, /usr/local/bin), it's likely from a package. If it's elsewhere, manual installation or configuration files are more probable.

2. Utilize Package Managers:

• Question: "Is there a command to list all files installed by a package?" - Source: Stack Overflow
• Answer:
  • dpkg: On Debian-based systems, use dpkg -L <package_name> to list all files associated with a package.
  • rpm: On Red Hat-based systems, use rpm -ql <package_name>.

3. Search for Clues:

• Question: "How can I find out which package might have installed a specific file?" - Source: GitHub Issue
• Answer: Utilize the find command: find / -name "<filename>" -print. This will list the directory where the file resides.

Resolving the Mystery:

• If the files are unwanted, remove them. Make sure you understand the file's function before deleting, as you might accidentally remove essential components.
• If the files are from a manual installation, consider using a package manager for consistent management. This can improve organization and simplify updates.
• If the files are related to a program, ensure it's properly configured and working as intended. You might need to reconfigure the program to utilize the files correctly.

Conclusion:

Encountering files that seem to exist without a clear origin is a common experience in the world of Linux. By understanding the potential causes and applying diagnostic tools, you can effectively identify the source and take appropriate actions. Remember to proceed with caution when modifying or removing system files to avoid unintended consequences.