Data Scan Stuck or Does Not Complete

Last updated: December 23, 2025

This article explains how to diagnose and resolve issues where a data scan appears stuck (commonly at 99% or 100%) or does not complete successfully.

Symptoms

  • Data scan remains at 99% or 100% for an extended period

  • Data scan appears to stop progressing

  • Scan does not complete or finalize results

  • Scan remains running without errors

Common Causes

  • Large files being processed during the scan

  • Scanning agent is no longer checking in

  • Insufficient system resources on the scanning machine

  • Network latency or interruptions during the scan

  • Scan configuration includes overly broad scope

  • Incorrect agent type selected for the data scan

Diagnostic Steps

Follow the steps below in order.

1. Check for Large Files Being Scanned

Cause
Data scans may appear stuck when processing very large files (for example, multi-gigabyte files).

What to check

  • Review scan logs or file activity on the scanning machine

  • Identify whether a large file is actively being scanned

Resolution

  • Allow additional time for the scan to complete

  • If the file does not need to be scanned, exclude it from the scan configuration

2. Verify the Agent Is Checking In

Cause
If the scanning agent loses communication with the platform, the scan may not complete.

What to check

  • Confirm the agent host is powered on

  • Verify the agent host is connected to the network

  • Check the agent’s status in the platform

Resolution

  • Restart the agent service on the agent host

  • Rerun the data scan

3. Check System Resource Availability

Cause
The machine performing the data scan may not have sufficient resources to complete processing.

What to check

  • Available CPU, memory, and disk space on the scanning machine

  • Whether other processes are consuming excessive resources

Resolution

  • Free up system resources

  • Close unnecessary applications or processes

  • Rerun the scan after resources are available

4. Review Scan Configuration Scope

Cause
Overly broad scan configurations or missing exclusions can significantly extend scan duration.

What to check

  • Scan settings for unnecessary paths, file types, or locations

  • Whether exclusions are configured for files or folders that do not require scanning

Resolution

  • Refine scan scope to target only relevant data

  • Add exclusions where appropriate

  • Rerun the scan

5. Check Network Stability

Cause
Network latency or interruptions can delay scan progress, especially when scanning network locations.

What to check

  • Network stability on the scanning machine

  • Connectivity to network drives or remote locations included in the scan

Resolution

  • Address network connectivity issues

  • Retry the scan after connectivity stabilizes

6. Confirm Agent Compatibility for Data Scans

Cause
Data scans are not supported on Mac or Linux agents. Selecting an unsupported agent can cause the scan to appear stuck.

What to check

  • Verify which agent type is selected to run the data scan

Resolution

  • Stop the active scan

  • Select a Windows agent to perform the data scan

  • Rerun the scan

Resolution

Most data scan completion issues are resolved by one or more of the following actions:

  • Allowing additional time for large files to finish processing

  • Ensuring the scanning agent remains online and checking in

  • Freeing up system resources on the scanning machine

  • Refining scan scope and exclusions

  • Stabilizing network connectivity

  • Using a Windows agent for data scans

After corrective actions are taken, rerun the data scan and confirm it completes successfully.

When to Contact Support

Contact Cyrisma Support if:

  • The data scan remains stuck after completing all diagnostic steps

  • The issue occurs repeatedly across multiple scans or environments

Provide:

  • Scan name

  • Affected machines

  • Relevant scan logs or screenshots of scan progress

  • Summary of troubleshooting steps already completed