# Scanning match Algorithm needs work

**URL:** <https://forums.plex.tv/t/scanning-match-algorithm-needs-work/875431>\
**Category:** Metadata & Adding Files\
**Created:** [April 19, 2024, 3:16am UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/scanning-match-algorithm-needs-work/875431 "2024-04-19T03:16:34Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 4

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**Author:** ![OttoKerner](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/ottokerner/32/10079_2.png) [@OttoKerner](https://forums.plex.tv/u/OttoKerner)\
**Post date:** [April 19, 2024, 9:07am UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/scanning-match-algorithm-needs-work/875431/4 "2024-04-19T09:07:36Z")

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This kind of thing can also happen if

1. the file has been scanned by Plex _before_ it was completely downloaded/copied/decompressed
2. the file has been mismatched before and was only recently renamed to a sensible file name
3. the file has embedded meta tags with nonsense/spam in them

The cure for 1) and 2) is the almighty [Plex Dance](https://forums.plex.tv/t/the-plex-dance/197064). To avoid them from happening in the first place, prepare the files outside of the folders which are “watched” by Plex.  
3) can be avoided by either

- removing all embedded metadata **prior** to adding the file to a Plex media folder
- configure Plex **not** to prefer the info in embedded meta tags, over those delivered from external databases  
(new agents: clearing the checkbox “Prefer local metadata” in the library properties.  
old agents: drag the line “Local Media Assets” all the way downwards on each of the agent tabs under Settings-Server-Agents)

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_[View the full topic](https://forums.plex.tv/t/scanning-match-algorithm-needs-work/875431)._