Error loading patch definitions: the given key was not present in the dictionary.
This error occurs when Protect tries to import bad custom patch data. The error may occur when clicking Help > Refresh Files, or Patch View.
Solution:
Navigate to directory containing custom patch data.
Protect 9.x
Windows Vista and Newer: C:\ProgramData\LANDesk\Shavlik Protect\Console
Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\LANDesk\Shavlik Protect\Console
Protect 8.x
Windows Vista and Newer: C:\ProgramData\Shavlik Technologies\NetChk
Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Shavlik Technologies\NetChk
Identify the custom patch file by its .XML extension, right click the file, choose rename, add .OLD at the end.
This will effectively remove the file from being processed by Protect, and allow verifying that the abscense of that file fixes the problem.