Upgrade Rocky Linux from 8.x to 9 fails due to 'conflicting requests'

2 min read 25-10-2024

the ifix

Upgrade Rocky Linux from 8.x to 9 fails due to 'conflicting requests'

Upgrading your operating system is essential to maintain security, performance, and access to the latest features. However, many users have faced an obstacle during the upgrade process from Rocky Linux 8.x to 9, encountering an error message indicating 'conflicting requests.' This article aims to clarify this issue and provide insights on how to successfully complete the upgrade.

Original Problem Scenario

During the attempt to upgrade Rocky Linux from version 8.x to 9, users might run into the following command and error:

sudo dnf upgrade

Error Message:

Error: Transaction check error:
  file /path/to/conflicting/file conflicts with package name

Understanding the Problem

The 'conflicting requests' error typically occurs when there are existing packages or files that conflict with those that the new version of Rocky Linux is trying to install. This conflict can arise from several reasons, including:

Outdated or Third-Party Repositories: Some third-party repositories might not have updated their packages for Rocky Linux 9.
Manually Installed Packages: Any packages installed manually or from non-standard repositories could conflict with the upgrade.
Broken Dependencies: Dependency issues can also trigger this error, preventing a clean upgrade.

Steps to Resolve the 'Conflicting Requests' Error

Check Your Current Packages: Before proceeding with the upgrade, it is a good idea to list the installed packages and see which ones may conflict. Use the following command:
```
rpm -qa --last | less
```
Remove Conflicting Packages: If you've identified conflicting packages, you can remove them using:
```
sudo dnf remove <package_name>
```
Be cautious when removing packages, as this may affect other applications on your system.
Disable Third-Party Repositories: During the upgrade process, you might want to disable non-standard repositories. Edit the .repo files located in /etc/yum.repos.d/ and set enabled=0 for third-party repositories temporarily.
Perform a Clean Upgrade: Once you have resolved any conflicts, run the upgrade command again:
```
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
```
Make sure to include the --refresh flag to ensure all repositories are up to date.
Using the Rocky Linux Upgrade Tool: Alternatively, you can utilize the Rocky Linux upgrade tool designed to simplify the process. Run the following commands:
```
sudo dnf install rocky-linux-release
sudo rocky-upgrade
```

Practical Example: Upgrading with Troubleshooting

Suppose you're trying to upgrade and encounter the following conflict message:

Error: Transaction check error:
  file /etc/someconfig.conf conflicts with package somesoftware-1.0.0-1.el8.x86_64

In this case, you'd investigate somesoftware, review if you need this package, and consider removing or updating it before continuing with the upgrade.

Conclusion

Upgrading Rocky Linux from 8.x to 9 can seem daunting, especially when facing the 'conflicting requests' error. By systematically identifying and resolving package conflicts, you can ensure a smoother upgrade process. Always remember to back up your important data before proceeding with significant changes to your system.

Additional Resources

This comprehensive guide aims to help you overcome the upgrade hurdles in Rocky Linux, ensuring you maintain an optimized and secure server environment. Happy upgrading!