If you ever wanted to run a 32-bit program in a 64-bit Ubuntu 12.04 and encountered package dependency issues while trying to install the ia32-libs via apt-get, don't worry, you are not alone. I myself tried this once when I wanted to install JD-GUI (Java de-compiler) but gave up because I ran out of options that time. This time however I had no choice but to get it to work. Good news is that I manage to to install the necessary libs thanks to post found at [1]. For my own future reference and also for those who might need this I am writing it down here, hope some find it useful, lemme know if its you :)
Downgrade the installed package is follows;
$sudo vi /etc/apt/preferences
and insert the following code;
Package: * Pin: release a=precise* Pin-Priority: 2012
and "write & quite" by doing ":wq!"
Next you can downgrade the packages as follows;
$sudo apt-get dist-upgrade
This operation is going to take a while, so let if complete. Once it is done you can install ia32-libs as follows;
$sudo apt-get install ia32-libs
Don't forget to remove the preference file you created, remove it as follows;
$sudo rm /etc/apt/preferences
If not new updated will not be installed. That's it you can now run you 32-bit applications without a issue. Hope this post will help you.!
[1] - http://askubuntu.com/questions/136394/cannot-install-ia32-libs
