Cannot perform operation. Computing alternate solutions, may take a while STS?

Question

I would like to ask what does this error mean when adding a new Available Software Site and installing new software in Eclipse/STS (Spring Tool Suite) using Install New Software?

I am experiencing this problem with the Spring Tool Suite Nightly Build:

http://dist.springsource.com/snapshot/STS/nightly-distributions.html

I am trying to update my STS and reinstall the Welcome Dashboard. When I try to add the following Available Software Site:

http://dist.springsource.com/snapshot/TOOLS/nightly/e4.5

I select all the items in order that they all will be installed,

Then this message is shown in the progress indicator:

Cannot perform operation. Computing alternate solutions, may take a while.

Sometimes I get this message even when trying to update something.

What does it mean? That I have some items already installed? That there's a problem contacting the site?

Answer 1

I also got the similar issue while installing TestNg plugin from eclipse marketplace. I resolved this issue by following steps:

1. Select marketplace from help section.
2. Search TestNG plugin.
3. Click on install button.
4. When you see the error message 'can not perform operation computing alternate solutions'.
5. Do not stop the installation from computing alternate solution.
6. At the end you will see a window 'The Installation can not be completed as requested'.
7. On this window select 'Show original error' radio button.
8. Now select an older version of software and click on 'Confirm' button to install.

Answer 2

Means that plugins that you have are conflicting with the ones attempted to be installed. Once it computes the alternate paths, it pops up the next wizard page. you should be able to see what the conflicts are. In this particular case it might be something related to Groovy Eclipse. Try not selecting Groovy and Grails and see if that helps.