#sudo apt update error solution, #Ubuntu repository error fix #malformed entry in list file, #Dell list file error fix, #Ubuntu package update error #Linux repository troubleshooting

How to Fix ‘Malformed Entry in Dell List File’ Error in Ubuntu: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

If you are encountering the following error while running the sudo apt update command in Ubuntu:

E: Malformed entry 1 in list file /etc/apt/sources.list.d/dell.list (absolute Suite Component)
E: The list of sources could not be read.

Don’t worry! This guide will help you fix this issue quickly and get your package manager working again. Let’s dive into a step-by-step solution to resolve the “Malformed Entry in Dell List File” error.

I can run below command and regenerate issue 

Run the following command to create a new dell.list file with the  entry:

sudo sh -c 'echo "deb http://dell.archive.canonical.com/ updates/ non-free" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/dell.list'

This command adds the wrong repository URL for Dell updates to your system.

✅ What Causes the Malformed Entry Error in Ubuntu?

The error typically occurs when the dell.list file inside the /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ directory contains an incorrect or improperly formatted entry. This can happen due to:

• Incorrect repository URL or syntax in the file
• Missing components in the repository entry
• Manual edits that went wrong

To fix this error, we need to either remove the problematic file or regenerate it with the correct repository details.

🛠️ Solution: Fixing the Malformed Entry Error

Follow the steps below to resolve the issue and successfully run the sudo apt update command.

Step 1: Remove the Problematic dell.list File

The quickest way to fix the error is to remove the faulty dell.list file.

Run the following command in your terminal:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/dell.list

This command deletes the problematic file, which should stop the error from occurring.

Step 2: Update Your Package List

Once the new repository file is created, update your package list by running:

sudo apt update

This should run without any errors and successfully refresh your package list.

💡 Why This Error Occurs and How to Prevent It

This error can occur when you manually add or edit repository files without using the correct syntax. To prevent similar issues in the future, follow these tips:

1. Always use trusted repositories.
2. Double-check the syntax of any manually added repository.
3. Use the sudo add-apt-repository command when possible to avoid manual errors.

📌 Quick Recap

✅ Final Thoughts

Fixing the “Malformed Entry in Dell List File” error in Ubuntu is a simple process if you follow the right steps. By removing the faulty file and adding the correct Dell repository, you can ensure your system's package manager works smoothly.

At OrientalGuru.co.in, we aim to provide easy-to-follow solutions for Linux users to enhance their productivity and troubleshooting skills. Stay tuned for more Ubuntu guides and tips!