Software Inventory - no results

[nhottinger]

I'm attempting to run a software inventory report to find a specific file and version on our devices.  The problem is when I run the report, I get no results.  I've verified in the default client settings that software inventory is setup.  What could I be missing?  Hardware Inventory is also enabled as I read that plays a part in Software inventory also.  

[GarthMJ]

First off, I never recommend using SW inventory there are just far too many problems with it. 

https://www.enhansoft.com/?s=software+inventory

Even if I did do it, I wouldn't recommend do it daily. It just takes too long and there is no guarantee that it will ever return results. 

What exactly are you doing with it? 

 

[itrider]

If you are looking for a specific file/version of a file, I have used "Compliance Settings" to do this.  It works well.  I configure it, let it run for a few days to collect my information, then I get a report.  

 

Assets & Compliance --> Compliance Settings --> Create your Configuration Item --> Then create your baseline to scan or what ever your criteria is.  I attached a quick set of rules I have used.  The first 2 captures are the Configuration Item and the other is the action or baseline.

[nhottinger]

Garth, we've used this for years and I don't ever recall having any problems.  It's just nice to be able to use the built-in reports to search for files and versions to report back to management.  

Thanks itrider, I'll give your suggestion a shot and see how it works for me.

[GarthMJ]

Just be aware that there is no guarantee that SW will return results for any computer, even if it has in the past. This is a well-documented and known issue that the 4-hour timeout will abandon the results and never update CM. So unless you look for the issue you will never know it happens.