Solving the “ModuleNotFoundError: No module named ‘setuptools.extern.six'” Conundrum: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Solving the “ModuleNotFoundError: No module named ‘setuptools.extern.six'” Conundrum: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Are you tired of encountering the dreaded “ModuleNotFoundError: No module named ‘setuptools.extern.six'” error? Do you feel like you’ve tried every possible solution, only to end up at a dead end? Fear not, dear reader, for you’re about to embark on a journey that will banish this pesky error from your life forever!

What’s behind the error?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s take a moment to understand what’s causing this error. The “setuptools.extern.six” module is a part of the setuptools package, which is a collection of utilities for building, distributing, and installing Python packages. The “six” module, in particular, provides a way to write Python code that’s compatible with both Python 2.x and 3.x.

When you encounter the “ModuleNotFoundError”, it usually means that Python can’t find the “setuptools.extern.six” module. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Missing or corrupted setuptools installation
  • Conflicting package versions
  • Python environment issues
  • Incorrect file paths or permissions

Solution 1: Check your Python Version

Before we begin, make sure you’re running the correct version of Python. You can check your Python version by opening a terminal or command prompt and typing:

python --version

If you’re running an outdated version of Python, update to the latest version. If you’re already running the latest version, move on to the next solution.

Solution 2: Reinstall setuptools

Let’s try reinstalling setuptools to ensure it’s properly installed. Open a terminal or command prompt and type:

pip uninstall setuptools
pip install --upgrade setuptools

Wait for the installation to complete, then try running your Python script again. If the error persists, move on to the next solution.

Solution 3: Check for Conflicting Package Versions

It’s possible that conflicting package versions are causing the issue. Let’s try updating all packages to their latest versions:

pip install --upgrade pip
pip list --outdated
pip install --upgrade 

Replace “” with the name of each outdated package. Repeat this process until all packages are up-to-date.

Solution 4: Check your Python Environment

If you’re using a virtual environment, try activating it and then reinstalling setuptools:

source /bin/activate
pip uninstall setuptools
pip install --upgrade setuptools

Replace “” with the name of your virtual environment. If you’re not using a virtual environment, try reinstalling setuptools with the `–user` flag:

pip uninstall setuptools
pip install --user --upgrade setuptools

Solution 5: Check File Paths and Permissions

Corrupted or missing files can cause the “ModuleNotFoundError”. Let’s try checking the file paths and permissions:

import os
print(os.path.exists('/path/to/your/python/site-packages/setuptools'))
print(os.access('/path/to/your/python/site-packages/setuptools', os.W_OK))

Replace “/path/to/your/python” with the actual path to your Python installation. If the file doesn’t exist or the permissions are incorrect, try reinstalling setuptools or adjusting the file permissions.

Solution 6: Downgrade setuptools

In some cases, downgrading setuptools to an earlier version can resolve the issue. Let’s try downgrading to version 44.0.0:

pip install --upgrade setuptools==44.0.0

Wait for the installation to complete, then try running your Python script again.

Solution 7: Use a Different Package Manager

If all else fails, try using a different package manager like conda or pipenv:

conda install setuptools
pipenv install setuptools

Replace “conda” or “pipenv” with the package manager of your choice.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

If none of the above solutions work, try the following:

  • Check for any typos in your code or package names
  • Verify that you’re using the correct Python interpreter
  • Try reinstalling other dependencies that might be causing conflicts
  • Consult the official setuptools documentation and Python community forums for further assistance
Solution Description
Check Python Version Verify that you’re running the latest version of Python
Reinstall setuptools Reinstall setuptools to ensure proper installation
Check for Conflicting Package Versions Update all packages to their latest versions
Check Python Environment Verify that your Python environment is correctly configured
Check File Paths and Permissions Verify that file paths and permissions are correct
Downgrade setuptools Downgrade setuptools to an earlier version
Use a Different Package Manager Try using a different package manager like conda or pipenv

By following these step-by-step solutions, you should be able to resolve the “ModuleNotFoundError: No module named ‘setuptools.extern.six'” error and get back to coding in no time! Remember to stay calm, patient, and persistent – with a little bit of creativity and troubleshooting, you’ll be able to overcome any obstacle that comes your way.

Here are 5 Questions and Answers about “Can’t fix `ModuleNotFoundError: No module named ‘setuptools.extern.six'” :

Frequently Asked Question

Get stuck with the frustrating `ModuleNotFoundError: No module named ‘setuptools.extern.six’` error? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions to help you resolve the issue.

What causes the `ModuleNotFoundError: No module named ‘setuptools.extern.six’` error?

This error usually occurs when the `six` module, which is a part of the `setuptools` package, is not properly installed or imported. It can also happen if there are version conflicts between different Python packages.

How can I reinstall `setuptools` to fix the error?

You can try reinstalling `setuptools` using pip: `pip uninstall setuptools` and then `pip install setuptools`. Make sure to use the correct Python version (e.g., `python3 -m pip` for Python 3.x).

Will updating `pip` solve the `ModuleNotFoundError` issue?

Updating `pip` might help, as it can sometimes resolve package installation issues. Run `pip install –upgrade pip` to update `pip`. Then, try reinstalling `setuptools` again.

Can I use `conda` to install `setuptools` and resolve the error?

Yes, you can use `conda` to install `setuptools`. Run `conda install setuptools` to install it. This might help if you’re using a conda environment and having issues with pip.

What if I’m still getting the `ModuleNotFoundError` error after trying the above solutions?

If none of the above solutions work, try checking your Python version, package versions, and environment configurations. Ensure that you’re using the correct Python version and package versions compatible with your environment. You can also try reinstalling other related packages, such as `wheel`, to resolve any potential conflicts.

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