# How to fix problems in generating Patch Scan data

## Problem

You are trying complete patch scanning manually. To initiate the patch scanning, Endpoint Central needs to download a `.7z` file which contains the latest patch details. If there is any problem while downloading the `.7z` file or while extracting the file, you cannot complete the scanning. You will get an error message **"problem in generating patch scan data"**.

## Cause

You will get this error message due to one of the following reasons:

- [You would have initiated scanning in a fresh build set up immediately after installing agents.](#fresh-setup)
- [Your proxy restricts downloading .7z file.](#proxy-restriction)
- [Endpoint Central Agent folder might be blocked by antivirus.](#agent-blocked-by-antivirus)
- [The computers belonging to remote office might not be able to reach the distribution server.](#distribution-server-not-reachable)

## Resolution

### Fresh Setup

This might happen if it is a fresh installation and you are trying to initiate the scan right after installing the agents. In such case, you can retry scanning and you will find the scanning process successful.

### Proxy restriction

Ensure that your proxy is configured in such a way that it does not block downloading `.7z` files.

### Agent blocked by antivirus

Ensure that you add Endpoint Central agent folder to the antivirus exception list so that the antivirus does not restrict the `.7z` file. To know more about adding a folder to the antivirus exclusion list, refer to [this guide](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/desktop_agent_symantec_endpoint.html).

### Distribution Server not reachable

Ensure that you have connections between the agents in the remote location and the Distribution server.

**Applies to:** Patch Scanning, Manual Patch scanning, Patch Scanning Failure, Scanning Timed Out

**Keywords:** Scan Patches, Patch Scan Failure, Scan Patches Manually

## Other KB articles

- [Agent Installation](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/knowledge-base.html#agent-installation)
- [Configurations](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/knowledge-base.html#windows-configurations)
- [Inventory Management](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/knowledge-base.html#inventory-management)
- [Patch Management](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/knowledge-base.html#patch-management)
- [Software Distribution](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/knowledge-base.html#software-distribution)
- [Service Pack Installation](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/knowledge-base.html#service-pack-installation)
- [Desktop Sharing](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/knowledge-base.html#remote-desktop-sharing)
- [Active Directory Reports](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/knowledge-base.html#active-directory-reports)
- [User Logon Reports](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/knowledge-base.html#user-logon-reports)
- [Endpoint Central SP Upgrade](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/knowledge-base.html#service-pack-upgrade)
- [Miscellaneous](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/knowledge-base.html#miscellaneous)
- [» More](https://www.manageengine.com/products/desktop-central/knowledge-base.html)

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