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npm installation is broken

Broken npm installation

npm is not functioning correctly due to a damaged local installation, often requiring reinstallation of npm or Node.js depending on the platform.

Broken npm installationinstallation

Observed message

Broken npm installation

Why it happens

  • The local npm installation is corrupted or incomplete.
  • A platform-specific installer issue left npm in a broken state.
  • Core npm files were modified or removed.

How to fix it

  1. Reinstall npm on macOS or Linux.
  2. On Windows, reinstall Node.js from the official installer to restore npm.
  3. Retry npm commands only after confirming the installation has been repaired.

Official reference

npm Docs: Common errors

Related errors

cb() never called!npm cb() never called when using shrinkwrapped dependenciesENOGIT / not found: gitnpm could not find gitENOSPCnpm could not write because the drive is full or not writableEACCES permissions errornpm EACCES permissions error during global install

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Broken npm installation: causes and fixes | Error Atlas