How to Fix QuickBooks ‘Sync Manager Not Working’ Error?

The QuickBooks Sync Manager Not Working error occurs when the software is unable to sync data between the QuickBooks Desktop application and connected web-based services. This issue can stem from outdated software versions, corrupted Sync Manager files, internet connectivity issues, or conflicts with system settings and security software. When the Sync Manager fails, users may face delays in updates, inability to access real-time data, or interruptions in essential integrations like payroll and other third-party apps.

To resolve this error effectively, you must back up company data, update QuickBooks and Sync Manager, ensure internet stability, and check for compatibility. Early signs of this issue include recurring sync failures, unexpected error messages, or unsuccessful attempts to access connected services. Check out these top 9 effective solutions to fix the QuickBooks ‘Sync Manager Not Working’ Error. For related Intuit sync issues, refer to fixing QuickBooks Error 7300.

Solution 1: Reset and Clear Sync Manager Settings

By resetting and clearing the Sync Manager Settings, you will be able to remove corrupted data. It also allows QuickBooks to establish a fresh connection. Here are the steps to fix the QuickBooks Sync Error 5_13944:

1. Ensure Sync Manager is installed in the correct location:
   • For Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Intuit\
   • For Windows 7 or later: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Intuit\
2. Log in as an administrator.
3. Open QuickBooks and go to the Help menu.
4. Click on Manage Data Sync > select Clear Sync Settings.
5. Confirm by selecting Yes in the prompt.
6. Reconfigure your Sync Manager settings after clearing.

Solution 2: Set Up Intuit Sync Manager Through the File Menu

Reconfigures Sync Manager with correct login and profile settings to restore proper sync functions. Check out these steps to fix it:

1. Open QBDT.
2. Click on File menu.
3. Select Set Up Intuit Sync Manager.
4. Enter your Intuit login credentials. If you’ve forgotten them, use the “Forgot your Password/User ID?” link to recover access.
5. Choose Use an Existing Company.
6. Hit the Next button.
7. Sync Manager will start syncing with Intuit App Centre.
8. Click Continue on the QuickBooks setup screen and log in with your IAC credentials.
9. Press F2 to check your Realm ID and match it with your company profile.
10. Click Continue, choose the correct profile, and then hit Finish.
11. Restart QuickBooks.

 Solution 3: Rename Sync Manager Folder

Renaming the folder helps recreate clean configuration files for smoother syncing. Follow these steps to follow these steps given below:

1. Close QuickBooks and the company file.
2. Update QuickBooks:
   • Go to Help > QuickBooks Desktop Update.
   • Click Get Updates and then Update Now.
3. Once updated, go to the system tray, right-click the Sync Manager icon, and click Exit.
4. Go to: C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Intuit\
5. Find the SyncManager folder and rename it by adding “_OLD” at the end.
6. Restart your computer and reopen QuickBooks. Sync Manager will automatically recreate a new folder.
7. Try syncing again.

Solution 4: Enable Sync Manager in Company Preferences

Sometimes, Sync Manager is just disabled in settings, enabling the restore syncing features. Here are the steps to fix the error:

1. Open your QuickBooks company file.
2. Click Edit > Preferences > Integrated Applications.
3. In the right pane, go to the My Preferences tab.
4. Check the box for Intuit Sync Manager under Company Preferences.
5. Try syncing again.

Solution 5: Delete the CRT File

Corrupt security certificates can block syncing, and deleting them makes QuickBooks to reset connections. Here are the steps to fix QuickBooks ‘Sync Manager Not Working’ Error by deleting the CRT File. 

1. Open Sync Manager on your system.
2. Go to Program Data.
3. Locate and delete the SBConnect.crt file.
4. Run the Sync Manager setup again.
5. Reset Sync Settings:
   • Go to Help > Manage Data Sync.
   • Select Intuit Sync Manager and reset it.
6. Try syncing again later if the issue persists.

Solution 6: Rename Intuit Folders & Stop QB Processes

Clears out corrupted installation files and restarts necessary services. Here are the steps to rename the Intuit Folders.

1. Go to: C:\AppData\Local\Intuit\Users and rename folders such as:
   • C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks (Year) 
   • C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks (Year)
   • C:\Program Files (x86)\Intuit\QuickBooks (Year)
2. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
3. End the following processes:
   • QBUpdate.exe
   • QBW32.exe
   • QBDBMgrn.exe
4. Relaunch QuickBooks and check for sync issues.

Solution 7: Reinstall the QuickBooks Application

Reinstallation replaces damaged program files, causing sync errors. Follow these steps to reinstall QuickBooks and fix ‘QuickBooks Server Manager Not Working’ Error. 

1. Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
2. Select QuickBooks Desktop and uninstall it.
3. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation.
4. Reinstall QuickBooks from the official Intuit website using your product key and saved backup.

Solution 8: Allow Sync Manager in Firewall Settings

Firewall settings may block Sync Manager, and providing it access will enable proper communication. Check out these steps to fix QuickBooks Sync Manager Error by changing the firewall setup.

1. Open Windows Firewall.. 
2. Go to Advanced Settings.
3. Right-click Inbound Rules > New Rule > Port.
4. Select TCP, and enter the appropriate QuickBooks port number.
5. Allow the connection, select all profiles, and name the rule.
6. Do the same for Outbound Rules.
7. To allow Sync Manager:
   • Choose Program > Browse and select: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Sync\IntuitSyncManager.exe
   • Follow the steps to finish setting the rule for both inbound and outbound rules.

Solution  9: Check for Company File Damage

Damaged company files disrupt syncing, verifying and rebuilding restores integrity. Here are the steps to fix this using QuickBooks tools. 

1. Open your company file in QuickBooks.
2. Navigate to File > Utilities > Verify Data.
3. If issues are found, go to File > Utilities > Rebuild Data.
4. This tool will repair and reorganize your company file.

What are the Prerequisites to Fix QuickBooks ‘Sync Manager Not Working’ Error?

Before fixing QuickBooks ‘Sync Manager Not Working’ Error, ensure that the following prerequisites are fulfilled:

• Backup your company file before making any changes.
• Update QuickBooks and Sync Manager to the latest versions.
• Ensure administrative rights are granted.
• Check the internet connection.
• Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall software.

How to Identify QuickBooks ‘Sync Manager Not Working’ Error?

Here are the signs you will encounter when QuickBooks ‘Sync Manager Not Working Error’ occurs:

• Frequent syncing failures with no successful connection to online services.
• Error messages or warnings like “Sync Manager not connecting” or code-specific alerts.
• Unresponsive Sync Manager window or crashing during the sync process.
• Inability to update or retrieve data from linked third-party applications.
• Sudden halt in Intuit Full Service Payroll or related app functions.

How to Prevent QuickBooks ‘Sync Manager Not Working’ Error?

Follow these tips to avoid facing the Sync Manager Not Working Error in QuickBooks:

• Keep security software configured properly,
• Use a strong, uninterrupted internet connection,
• Maintain correct folder paths for Sync Manager on your system.
• Check for company file damage regularly. 
• Grant proper user permissions for syncing and file access.

When Should You Seek Professional Help for QuickBooks ‘Sync Manager Not Working’ Error?

You should seek professional help for the QuickBooks ‘Sync Manager Not Working’ error if basic troubleshooting doesn’t fix the problem, you’re seeing repeated sync failures, or you’re unsure how to proceed without risking your data.