Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: Anaconda update on Linux throws error “TypeError: __init__() missing 1 required positional argument: 'msg'”. How do I get Anaconda updated?

Anaconda update error on Linux: TypeError __init__() missing 1 required positional argument msg.

Quick Answer: Try reinstalling Anaconda or updating the package index.

The Anaconda update error 'TypeError: __init__() missing 1 required positional argument: 'msg'' occurs when the installation process encounters an issue while unpacking the payload. This error affects users running the Anaconda installer on Linux and can cause frustration during the update process.

This error is particularly frustrating because it prevents the Anaconda installation from completing, leaving the user without access to the latest versions of popular data science tools. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to resolve this issue and get Anaconda updated.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary cause of this error is a mismatch between the version of the Anaconda installer being used and the version of the package manager (such as conda) installed on the system. This mismatch can lead to issues with the installation process, including the 'TypeError: __init__() missing 1 required positional argument: 'msg'' error.
  • An alternative cause of this error is a corrupted or incomplete installation package. In some cases, the Anaconda installer may not be able to unpack the package correctly, resulting in an error like 'TypeError: __init__() missing 1 required positional argument: 'msg''.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Update conda and anaconda using the correct version

  1. Step 1: Open a terminal as the root user and update conda to the latest version using the following command: `sudo conda update --all`. This will ensure that the package manager is up-to-date and compatible with the Anaconda installer.
  2. Step 2: Next, update Anaconda to the latest version using the following command: `sudo ./Anaconda3-2023.09-0-Linux-x86_64.sh -u`. This will reinstall Anaconda in the correct location and ensure that all packages are up-to-date.
  3. Step 3: Once the updates have completed, restart the terminal and attempt to run the Anaconda installer again using the same command as before.

Manually clean the installation directory

  1. Step 1: Open a terminal as the root user and navigate to the installation directory using the following command: `cd /home/user/anaconda3`. This will ensure that you are in the correct location.
  2. Step 2: Next, delete all files and directories within the installation directory using the following command: `rm -rf *`. This will manually clean the installation directory and remove any corrupted or incomplete packages.
  3. Step 3: After cleaning the installation directory, attempt to run the Anaconda installer again using the same command as before.

✨ Wrapping Up

By following these steps, users should be able to resolve the 'TypeError: __init__() missing 1 required positional argument: 'msg'' error and get Anaconda updated. It is recommended that users try method 1 first, as it is generally the most effective way to resolve the issue.

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