It is easy to connect with the financial institutions to view and download the latest transactions with QB Online banking. Besides, you can utilize a number of features in the software to make the best of it. But sometimes, you may encounter QuickBooks error 1013 when trying to connect with the banking institution. OLSU error 1013 in QuickBooks takes place due to an inactive bank account, and thus, you can’t communicate with the bank’s server.
To fix QuickBooks 1013, run the application as an administrator and open the company file. You can also try to verify the family path by hitting F2 to match it with the .QWC file. Make sure that you have admin rights, only one QuickBooks version is running, and the company is backed up. This will re-establish the connection between the QB application and external apps. To know the reasons behind this issue and effectively troubleshoot it, continue with this blog.
What is the Error Code OLSU 1013 in QuickBooks?
Sometimes, when you are performing crucial banking operations in QuickBooks, you may face error 1013. This issue commonly appears due to an outdated version of QB Desktop. When you encounter QuickBooks error 1013, an information message appears on your screen, stating:
“An unexpected error occurred. The branding and profile servers could not be accessed. Click Cancel to discontinue setup and then retry setting up the account for online services again. Error message number: [OLSU-1013] If the problem persists, call Support and provide the error message number above.”
Some other error codes related to bank feeds in QuickBooks are:
- OL-301, OL-332, OL-334, OL-392, or OL-393
- OL-202, OL-203, OL-205, OL-206 or OL-209
- OLSU-1011, OLSU-1013, OLSU-1014, or OLSU-1016
- OL-221, OL-231, OL-232, or OL-249
In such a situation, you can either tap Cancel or discontinue to stop setting up. Alternatively, you can try to set up an account for online services once again.
What You Might Experience When Running into 1013 Error
There are some common things you can expect to experience when QuickBooks error 1013 occurs. For instance:
- You might see an error message appearing on the screen, indicating that QuickBooks is unable to establish a connection with the financial institution
- The QB freezes or crashes frequently, and the system runs sluggishly
- The bank fees are not updating, and the transactions are not getting downloaded
- You will become unable to log in to your account from QuickBooks, as the financial institution’s website is not loading
- Your company file has become corrupt, and you are unable to access it
- The QB prompts you to update the bank account information, even though it is up-to-date
These were the common experiences you may face when QuickBooks error 1013 arises.
Possible Reasons Why You Might Run into OL/OLSU Bank Feed Errors
The primary factor for QuickBooks error 1013 is an issue with your banking institution. Apart from this, there are various other reasons as well. To help you understand this issue more deeply, we have listed all the reasons that lead to QB error code 1013.
- An outdated version of QuickBooks Desktop
- QuickBooks can’t connect with the bank due to an unstable internet connection.
- Unresponsive banking institution servers due to maintenance updates or maintenance
- Your financial institution Directory isn’t updated
- You may not be using Express or Side by Side mode
- Entering the incorrect banking security credentials for logging in
- The QB Desktop’s connection is not supported due to the misconfigured internet settings
Things to Ensure before Resolving the QuickBooks Bank Feed Error OLSU 1013
Before implementing any troubleshooting methods, you should ensure that you have some pointers for smooth fixing of the error OLSU 1013 in QuickBooks:
- Starting by updating the QuickBooks Desktop application to the latest available version
- Ensure that you are utilizing a stable internet connection to resolve the QuickBooks error code 1013
- You must log in to the online banking to check that your banking login credentials are correct
- Ensure that you are using QuickBooks in single-user mode
- Remember to keep a backup of the company file
You might be wondering how to resolve the QuickBooks direct connect error OLSU-1013. No worries, we have listed down all the effective fixes possible.
DIY Ways to Get Rid of QuickBooks Error 1013 That Work
Below, we have listed various methods and instructions that you can follow to get rid of QuickBooks Online Banking error OLSU-1013:
1. Check Internet Speed
Due to a slow or unstable internet connection, you may face this error. To tackle this, follow the instructions to ensure the connection is working properly. If you have Ethernet connections, ask your IT team for assistance. If you have, ensure the connection is active and stable.
After checking the internet speed, you need to check whether the issue is resolved. If you are still facing the same issue, you must follow the next method.
2. Set Your Account to Default Under Company and Personal Preferences
To keep the Default account under the Company and Personal Preferences, you must carry out the steps below:
- Start by opening the accounting software by tapping on the QuickBooks icon
- Next, sign in to the company file as an admin
- Now, tap on the Preferences tab under the Edit menu and choose the Checking tab
- After that, choose the Default option under My Preferences
- Then, you have to choose the default account for all the options, tap on OK
- Lastly, enter the credentials to log in to the online banking by using QuickBooks again
Now, check if the error is taken care of. However, if the issue still persists, follow the next method.
3. Update of FIDIR (Financial Institution Directory)
To update the Financial Institution Directly (FIDIR), you must follow the next method.
- Start by opening QuickBooks, and head to the Banking tab
- Next, tap on Bank Feeds, followed by Bank Feeds Center
- Tap on the Sync all for this bank option from the drop-down
Note: Carry out the steps mentioned below for manual updating if the above steps didn’t resolve the error.
- Now, navigate to the Windows File Explorer and follow the path:
C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks XXXX\Components\OLB\branding\filist. - After that, tap on the link available for the QuickBooks version
- Choose the entire text available on the page
- Simultaneously, hit Ctrl + C keys
- Tap twice on the fidir.txt file under the files folder
- Now, choose the entire text and paste it
- Navigate to the File tab
- Save all the changes and then close the file
- Finally, try to restart QuickBooks
After updating the FIDIR, check again whether the issue is resolved. However, if you are still facing the same problem, move to the next method.
4. Set Up the QuickBooks Application to Use the Express Mode
You can configure the settings to use QuickBooks with Express mode to fix the QuickBooks application. For that, follow the steps below:
- Start by heading to QuickBooks Desktop and opening the Edit tab
- There, choose the Preferences tab
- Next, tap on the checking option present on the left side of the screen
- Choose the Company Preferences tab, followed by Express Mode
- Lastly, save the changes by tapping on OK
5. Check and Modify the Internet Security Settings
The QB uses the TLS 1.2 security protocol to keep the data secure while you try to connect with the bank. Carry out the steps below to check the TLS settings:
- Start by heading to Tools and choosing Internet Options
- Then, tap on the Advanced tab and head down to the Security section
- Ensure to verify TLS 1.2. If not, choose the box to turn it on
- After that, tap on OK
- Afterward, exit all the applications running on your system
- Lastly, restart the computer and then try downloading the transactions
6. Download the Bank Feed Transactions
If there is any issue with the bank’s server, you must download the transactions in a test company file.
- Start by opening the QuickBooks application.
- Next, navigate to the File menu and select the New Company option
- After that, choose Express Start or Start Setup
- Move ahead, set up Bank Feeds for the account that has been affected
Lastly, try to download the transactions.
7. Verify if the File is Compatible with QuickBooks
The QB can only launch downloaded transactions that are available in a .qbo file extension. If the bank uses an alternative file extension, then QB won’t be able to access the file. Therefore, to confirm if the issue is with your bank or the file type, you need to download the transactions directly from your bank’s website:
- To initiate, try to sign in to your bank’s website apart from QuickBooks
- Next, browse and download the bank transactions in a .qbo file
- Now, import the transactions to QuickBooks
- If you are still unable to open the .qbo file in QuickBooks, then it signifies that the issue is with the bank.
If you can import and view the transactions, you need to try the next method.
8. Refresh the Connection with the Bank Server
It is important to disable online banking on inactive bank accounts. Once done, you can refresh the bank connection for the accounts that are affected. Start by following the steps below to check the inactive bank accounts that you have with online banking:
- Start by heading to the Company and choosing the Chart of Accounts
- Next, choose the Include Inactive box
- Browse the inactive account with a lightning bolt
If you locate an inactive account, you can follow the troubleshooting methods below. Besides, to set up Bank Feeds, try to download the transactions.
- Start by right-tapping on the inactive account
- Then, tap on the Edit Account option
- Next, head to the Bank Feed Settings tab
- From there, tap on the Deactivate All Online Services option, followed by OK.
- Now, choose Save & Close
- To proceed, close and reopen the company file
- Finally, ensure that the lightning bolt is gone
Note: When setting up, you need to make sure that you hold the Ctrl key each time you choose a tab. The exception is when you are entering the information. This move will refresh your bank connection.
If the QB bank feed error OLSU 1013 doesn’t appear after following the above method. It signifies that the issue has been resolved and your transactions have been downloaded. Whereas, if the problem persists, jump to the next step of troubleshooting.
9. Make and Merge Accounts
You might need to create a copy of the account and merge it with the old one. Below we have listed the steps that you need to follow:
- Firstly, head to the Chart of Accounts
- Next, right-tap on the affected account and choose the Edit Account option
- Now, choose and copy the account name
- Enter an asterisk (*) at the end of the account name
- After that, choose the Bank Feeds Settings tab > Deactivate All Online Services > OK
- Save all the changes made, and then close the tab
- Now, you need to create a new account in the Chart of Accounts
Note: When you are setting up the account name, paste the text that you copied earlier.
- Finally, close and reopen the company file.
Now, carry out the steps below to complete this method by merging the accounts:
- Start by heading to the Chart of Accounts
- Right-tap the account with the asterisk in its name
- Next, tap on Edit account
- Remove the asterisk. Next, choose to Save & Close
- Tap on Yes to merge the accounts
- Now, set up Bank Feeds
- After that, verify whether you can download transactions or not.
However, if you can’t modify or merge the accounts, you may have a damaged company file.
Now, verify once again whether the issue is addressed. However, if you are still facing the same issue, go ahead with the next method.
10. Disable and Set Up Online Banking for Different Accounts
In a case when you set up more than one account for an online banking service, then there may be chances that an issue in any one of those accounts is causing issues in others. To tackle this, you need to deactivate the accounts that have online services.
Here is how you can do the same:
- Firstly, you have to include the inactive checkbox present at the bottom of the Chart of Accounts
- Next, deactivate the bank feeds for all accounts
- Now, close and re-open the company file
- Finally, set up all the accounts for bank feeds
11. Create a New QuickBooks Company File
One of the best ways to resolve QLSU 1013 errors in QuickBooks is to create a new company file. It can be implemented by carrying out the steps below:
- Start by opening QuickBooks and tapping on the File menu
- Choose New Company from the dropdown menu
- Select the type of company file you wish to create
- Follow the prompts to type in your company file information
- Save the new company file, wherever you deem suitable
- Once the new company file is created, you can begin adding the accounts and transactions
12. Refresh the Connection with the Bank
Refreshing the connection with the bank can help you fix any issues related to the bank’s server and update the bank information in QuickBooks, thereby resolving QuickBooks error 1013. For that, follow the steps below:
- Start by opening QuickBooks and heading to the Banking menu
- Choose the bank account with which you are having a problem with
- Tap on the Edit button and select Edit account info
- Mark the checkbox for Disconnect this account on save in the Edit account info window
- Tap on Save and then Close to disconnect the account
- After disconnecting, head to Banking again and tap on Add account to reconnect to the bank
- Follow the prompts you see on your screen to enter the required information and connect the account
- After the account is connected, tap on Download transactions to update the transactions in QuickBooks
Once done, try again and check if the problem you were facing with the bank feeds is resolved. We hope the above-mentioned troubleshooting methods help you resolve QuickBooks error 1013.
QuickBooks Error OLSU 1013 – A Quick Overview
This section provides an overview of what we have covered in this guide.
| Error Description | QuickBooks error 1013 is an OLSU bank feed issue that can show up when connecting a bank account to the accounting application |
| What causes it | A problem with internet connection or the bank account(s), incompatibility between the bank file and QB, outdated QB version, change in the bank’s service, inactive bank account in QB with online banking, server downtime, or an issue at your bank’s end |
| How to fix it | Ensure a stable and strong internet connection, set up your account to default in company preferences, update the financial institution directory, toggle online banking for different accounts on and off, refresh the connection with banks, remove inactive accounts, and merge required accounts. |
Wrapping It Up
Bank feeds play an immense role in day-to-day bookkeeping and make the base for financial statement preparation. The QuickBooks error 1013 is a frustrating and time-consuming issue that can keep you from accessing bank feeds or setting up bank accounts. However, it is essential to take the necessary steps to address it and resume your accounting operations. By following the troubleshooting methods outlined in this guide, you should be able to fix the problem and get back on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Error code OLSU 1013 is a problem users run across when connecting a bank or credit card to the accounting application. Thus, it is a bank feed issue like error codes OLSU-1011, OLSU-1014, or OLSU-1016.
There could be a handful of things leading to the OLSU error code 1013. For example, there can be an issue on the bank’s side or with its server, an inactive bank account in QuickBooks’ list of accounts, or a change in the bank’s service offering to Web or Direct Connect. Other reasons could be an outdated version of QuickBooks that is no longer supported by Intuit.
To resolve the error code 1013 in QuickBooks, make sure you have a good internet connection. Moreover, download the bank transactions file from the bank and check if it is in a QuickBooks-supported format. Remove any inactive bank accounts in QuickBooks that you no longer need.
