# Trace Data
Trace data can be retrieved from any long-running server. It creates a step-by-step trace of how your rule set is being processed by the space.vars.X\_Agent\_Name\_Single. This is particularly useful for finding problems in web application rule sets.
To start a trace, simply click the **Start trace** button on the server status page as shown below.
Start trace button
Once the trace is in progress, you will see the status screen change as shown.
Server IN trace mode
The trace mode will be active for a maximum of 20 transactions, after which it will automatically turn off.
To retrieve and view the trace data, simply click the Get trace data button and supply a repository and file name.
Retrieve button
Once the trace data has been retrieved, you can view it by selecting it in the administration tree.
Trace data folder
The view of the trace can also be downloaded or deleted *(as shown below)*.
