'ImportError: No module named _struct' error when managing packages

Searches for this turn up a couple of things to try.

  1. Re-install python

    Found this link: Broken python (2.7) after manually building and installing python 2.6. The suggestion was to re-install like so:

    $ sudo apt-get --reinstall install python python-support
    
  2. Make sure the software update app has internet enabled

    Found this link: more package dependency problems, i always get loads of problems after a fresh install.

    face palm I went into update manager/settings Ubuntu software tab and re-enabled all downloadable from internet buttons.