QuickBooks Error OLSU 1013 – How to Fix Bank Feed Connection Error

Introduction:

If you’re seeing QuickBooks error OLSU 1013 in QuickBooks Desktop, it means the software cannot properly connect with your bank feed. This article explains what the error means, why it occurs, and how you can fix it yourself.

What is QuickBooks Error OLSU 1013?

This error appears when QuickBooks fails to link with your bank’s online service in the bank feeds feature. The system may display a message such as: “An unexpected error occurred. The branding and profile servers could not be accessed … Error OLSU-1013.”
In short, you cannot download or update banking transactions inside QuickBooks until the connection issue is resolved.

Why does QuickBooks Error OLSU 1013 occur?

Here are common causes for the error:

• The version of QuickBooks Desktop you are using is outdated.
• Internet connection is weak, disrupted, or unstable.
• Your bank’s server is undergoing maintenance or is not responding.
• The financial institution directory (FIDIR) in QuickBooks is outdated.
• Online banking is enabled for an inactive account in your Chart of Accounts.
• Internet Explorer settings (or required security protocols, such as TLS 1.2) are not configured properly.
• Duplicate, corrupted or damaged bank account entries in your company file.

How can you identify QuickBooks Error OLSU 1013″?

Look for these signs:

• You receive an error message labelled “OLSU-1013” when trying to download or update bank feeds.
• Transactions do not download from your bank into QuickBooks.
• QuickBooks hangs, crashes, or responds slowly when attempting to connect to your bank.
• An inactive account shows a lightning-bolt symbol (online banking icon) in the Chart of Accounts.
• You can log into your bank website normally, but QuickBooks fails to connect.

What are the steps to fix QuickBooks Error OLSU 1013?

Below is a structured set of solutions moving from basic to advanced. Perform them in order until the issue is resolved.

Solution 1: Update QuickBooks and check internet connection

1. Ensure QuickBooks Desktop is updated to the latest available release.
2. Verify your internet connection is stable. Open a browser and visit a reliable site (e.g., google.com).
3. Make sure your bank’s website is reachable and you can log in normally (outside QuickBooks).
4. Back up your company file before proceeding to other steps.

Solution 2: Configure Internet Explorer and security protocol

1. Open Internet Explorer (version 11 32-bit is required by QuickBooks Desktop).
2. Hit the Gear icon → Internet Options → Advanced tab.
3. In the Security section: uncheck “Use TLS 1.0” and check “Use TLS 1.2”.
4. Click Apply → OK → close IE → restart your computer.
5. Attempt the bank feeds download again.

Solution 3: Set default account in Preferences and activate Express Mode

1. In QuickBooks, go to Edit menu → Preferences → Checking.
2. Under My Preferences tab: set default accounts for the options.
3. Under Company Preferences tab: set the default bank account and select Express Mode for Bank Feeds.
4. OK → try to update your bank feed again.

Solution 4: Update the Financial Institution Directory (FIDIR)

1. In QuickBooks, Banking tab → Bank Feeds Center → drop-down → Sync all for this bank.
2. If automatic fails: navigate to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks [year]\Components\OLB\branding\filist\ and copy the latest filist text to the fidir.txt file manually.
3. Restart QuickBooks and retry the bank feeds.

Solution 5: Deactivate inactive bank accounts and merge duplicates

1. Go to Chart of Accounts → check Include Inactive box. Look for inactive accounts with a lightning bolt (bank feed icon).
2. Right-click that inactive account → Edit Account → Bank Feed Settings tab → choose Deactivate All Online Services → Save & Close.
3. Close and reopen company file. Re-set up bank feed for active accounts.
4. If you have duplicate bank accounts: create a new account with asterisk (*) in name, deactivate the old, then merge by removing asterisk. See step-by-step in hostdocket article.

Solution 6: Create a new test company file (advanced)

If none of the above works:

1. In QuickBooks, go to File → New Company → Express Start.
2. Set up the bank account in the new company file.
3. Attempt to download transactions via bank feeds.

• If it works in the test file but not in your main file, your main file may be damaged or severely mis-configured.
• Consider restoring from backup or contacting support.

Is there an automated tool to fix QuickBooks Error OLSU 1013?

There is no dedicated “one-click” tool from Intuit that fixes all aspects of OLSU-1013 automatically. However, many third-party QuickBooks support services offer diagnostic tools that check connection settings, FIDIR status, and bank feed integrity. These tools can save time, but you still must follow manual checks (internet, IE settings, account activation) because the root causes vary. If you choose the expert path, ErrorCodeExperts can assist—email support@errorcodeexperts.com or call +1-800-949-1746.

How can I prevent QuickBooks Error “OLSU-1013” in the future?

Ensure the following routine practices:

• Always update QuickBooks Desktop and stay on a supported version.
• Maintain a stable and secure internet connection when using bank feeds.
• Use Internet Explorer version 11 (32-bit) with TLS 1.2 enabled as default browser for QuickBooks Desktop.
• Regularly update the Financial Institution Directory (FIDIR) and bank feed settings.
• Keep only active bank accounts enabled for online banking in your Chart of Accounts; deactivate unused ones.
• Use default account settings under Preferences → Checking, and if available, use Express or Side-by-Side mode for bank feeds.
• Back up your company file before doing large changes.
• Periodically test bank feed functionality in a copy of your company file to catch issues early.

What if QuickBooks Error OLSU 1013 is not fixed after troubleshooting?

If you have attempted all the solutions above and the error persists, then the issue might lie with:

• Your bank’s server or services (direct connection/web connect) which may have changed or be in maintenance mode.
• Deep corruption in your company file, requiring rebuild or restore.
• External firewalls or security software blocking QuickBooks communication.
• Incompatible .qbo/.txt bank feed file formats.
  In such cases, you should escalate. Contact your bank to confirm their services and server status. If the bank confirms everything is fine, you should reach out to a QuickBooks expert or your IT support to inspect your company file and system environment.

How can our experts assist you in resolving QuickBooks Error OLSU1013″?

Our service team at Error Code Experts specializes in diagnosing bank feed issues in QuickBooks. We can analyze your company file, confirm your internet and IE settings, update FIDIR, deactivate inactive accounts, and safely merge duplicates. For assistance, email us at support@errorcodeexperts.com.

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