Package Metadata Corruption

[sambo22]

Description

Had import issues with python 3.14 for a package that was marked installed. In debugging, I attempted to show package version and received this error. I installed python 3.13 and it went away. Posted it on another issue and was recommended to create a new issue as it was not related. Sometime after, I fixed it by reinstalling with some force, ignore, and version flags that I do not remember.

Expected behavior

No response

pip version

26.1.2

Python version

3.14

OS

Windows 11

How to Reproduce

Install python 3.14
pythonX -m pip install intelhex
Received "package was already installed" notice yet received import errors.
It was later fixed with a CLI suggested command that I do not remember. I either tried to uninstall or upgrade, and the CLI output recommended re-installing with a force, ignore, and specific version flag.

Checked with python 3.13 and did not have the same issue before commenting on prior unrelated issue.

Output

No response

Code of Conduct

• I agree to follow the PSF Code of Conduct.

[2ykwang]

For context, the traceback is fixed on main by #14057.
But the fix was merged after 26.1.2 and hasn't been released yet. The import issue may be separate.