FIX for Cydia Error:Database Encountered a section with no Package:header
If you have gotten the most annoying “Error:Database Encountered a section with no Package:header” error while trying to open Cydia you’re at the right place because we have a fix for you…
This error normally comes in if one of the sources go bad or have errors. This error if fairly easy to fix, so without loosing anymore time let’s jump right into it.
You will need to SSH into your iPhone and Navigate to the private/var/lib/apt/lists directory.
If you don’t know what SSH means or if you have never used it please Read This article before going forward with this tutorial.
Start WinSCP and connect to iPhone. In host name field, type in the IP address of your iPhone. Make sure the port number is set to “22” by default this option is already set to 22 but in case it’s not then change it. For user name use “root” and for password use “alpine” (NOTE: This user name and password is the same for all iPhones and iTouch iPods ever made by Apple). Don’t worry about any other fields or options.
Once you have logged in to your iPhone, browse to private/var/lib/apt/lists directory.
Once you’re in private/var/lib/apt/lists directory, Files you will see are all the sources you have added and the ones that came with Cydia… Look at the ones that you have added right before you started experiencing the errors and delete those files…
If you remember exactly which SOURCE you have added before the error, then you should be able to see it in the directory… DELETE it and everything will be back to normal…
If you don’t remember which source you have added you can delete all the files except the “Partial” folder… Restart Cydia, This time you should not see the any errors or warnings. Go to Changes and press Refresh and all the changes should be there again!
You’re done… Good Luck!!!
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Since we have mentioned the Very Well known SSH User Name (root) and Password (alpine), we have to also give you another suggestion / reminder. There have been recorded Viruses, Worms, Attacks, etc. on Jailbroken Devices due to the default SSH password not being changed. Please change it and secure you device.
Remember, we have warned your about the SSH password and the vulnerability of the Jailbroken Devices… If you what to change your SSH Root Password (You should) follow these tutorials.
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thx it works now
Guys, this method did not work for me. What did work was I tried to install a mod from Icy. It gave me an error and gave me the file location of the error and line number in the file. I have a lot of mods installed through cydia, so it was like line number 2270 or something – in my private/var/lib/apt/dpkg/ folder and edited the status file in ftp or bbedit or text edit (windows). bbedit is preferred because it gives you line numbers. Anyway, each line break usually starts with a package header nomenclature. That one at line 2270 did not. I just deleted the that entry from line break to next line break and it worked. Then I reinstalled that mod. Worked for me! Good luck.
Hey Guys everywhere i go , the only solution for this problem is to use some kind of cydia app ( Open SSH or ifile) well , what if we do not have those installed? is there a way to go around it?
i do i download openssh on my ipod touch if cydia doesnt work?
Hay I just jailbroke my iPod an the error popes up can I just rejailbreake my iPod plz some1 help
Can I just rejailbreake my iPod
Help! When I do it, it tells me connection refused. What do I do? Thanks!
Thanks a lot!!
Cydia on my Jailbroken iPhone 3.1.2 works again!
And….. i did it myself!
Come on guys, if i can do it, every one can
(i’m blond and a woman LOL 
)
tnx dude
imine work 300% again
i can’t get my phone to jailbreak i always get error 1604 or 1600 on my itune i did folow all the steps any time
Worked like a charm! Cheers mate.
Hi! I already know all the SSH stuff but I have a problem. My iPod doesn’t have SSH and I can’t access Cydia to get OpenSSH. Any other way I can SSH into it without Cydia? Please help, thanks.
great job.
thx
It worked
i love you!
@Bob
i had the same problem for a lil bit… u must have accidentally turned ssh off so go into sbsbettings n turn it on
Download iphone explorer on your pc and use your usb cable to get access to the root of your iphone. Search in google for iphone explorer!@Ohboynotagen
If you can not use cydia or get into cydia and used blackra1n to jailbreak. Then with the app blackrain on you pod or touch install rock. It’s about the same as cydia. To download the apps you need to fix cydia. I will try this fix tonight. I had quick reply and when it updated it messed my cydia up.
very nice after trying this it worked. thank you so much!!! props
WOW U SAVED MY CYDIA SO I DONT NEED TO RESTORE IT THANX!!!
Dude thanks it works now, i was about to restore thanks again!
If you do not have OpenSSH installed you can use this: http://www.iphone-explorer.com/ to accomplish the same result.
Hi guys,
just follow this guy,
for ppl who have problems with SSH method or winscp like i did,
gave me stupid messages like “connection failed” and s**h like that,
use this software, http://www.iphone-explorer.com/
then navigate to that location,
delete all the repo’s, restart cydia,
do a full upgrade, it will ask u to,
ur all done
phew!thanks soo much!it really works!!!
If I do this will I loose my unlock? If I delete all of these source files I’ll be deleting repo666.ultrasn0w will that have an effect on my unlock?
thanks alot
What if I dont have Wi-fi connetion? can I fix it? I have 3G network on my iPhone, but I cant do it with openSSH
thanks alot
After using the method of modifying the cydia plst file and the problem comming back when I try to install new sources I came upon this method which worked like a charm http://surreystore.com/Forums/tech-help/how-to-fix-error-refreshing-data-problem-in-cydia/msg122/#msg122
I think it is the easiest way and using the terminal client for the first time makes me feel like I am really getting to use my iPhone in a cool way
You’re God sent!!!
Go to: private/var/lib/apt/lists and delete all files EXCEPT THE “PARTIAL” FOLDER and boom everything will come back to normal!!!
It works!!
God bless you!!!
Just do it!
before my cydia got screwed up it said that i needed to get more memory….i have 3gb left and i deleted a bunch of apps….and i tried your way and it STILL didnt work….its kinda stupid…PLZ help me
@Ohboynotagen use iPhone explorer
Great fix man, so many other fixes require ubitu or some bogus shit, yours was a great and fast fix!