Troubleshoot sync problems

For more information, see Resolving sync conflicts: frequently asked questions.

You can view sync errors on the Sync Results screen in Sync Center. Once you understand what is causing the sync error, you can try to fix it. A sync error usually occurs when there is a problem with the device, computer, or folder you are trying to sync with, such as a device that is not plugged in or turned on when you try to sync with it. Errors usually block sync from completing. If you have a sync error that you don't fix, you will probably end up with files that are not in sync, so it's a good idea to try to fix sync errors when they occur.

For instructions on how to fix sync errors, see Understanding sync errors and warnings.

Unlike sync errors, sync warnings usually don't prevent sync from completing, so it is not imperative that you fix or even notice every warning. However, it is a good idea to check occasionally for warnings on the Sync Results screen in Sync Center. Warnings can notify you of problems that will lead to sync errors if you don't fix them.

For more information, see Understanding sync errors and warnings.

If you have connected a mobile device such as a portable music player or mobile phone to your computer but the device does not appear in your list of available sync partnerships, it might not be compatible with Sync Center. Before you reach that conclusion, however, make sure the device is turned on and plugged into your computer. If it is a device that connects to your computer wirelessly, make sure that a wireless connection is established between the device and your computer. Install any software that came with the device.

If the device still doesn't appear in Sync Center, try connecting it to your computer again and turning it off and on. Also try clicking the refresh button in Sync Center. If the device still doesn't appear, either Windows does not detect your device or the device does not support Sync Center. The manufacturer must support Sync Center for the device to work with Sync Center.

Follow these steps to find out if Windows recognizes your device:

You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.

For more information, see Adding a portable device.

Microsoft replaced ActiveSync with Windows Mobile Device Center, an improved version of the software for use with computers running Windows Vista. The first time you plug a Windows Mobile device into a computer that is connected to the Internet and running Windows Vista, Windows Mobile Device Center will automatically download and install. After you set up your device to sync in Windows Mobile Device Center, the sync results will appear in Sync Center.

If you install software that came with a mobile device and the device is still not listed in Sync Center, the device and its software might not be compatible with Sync Center. If you are unsure, ask the manufacturer. Check to see if the software from the manufacturer includes sync capabilities. Some manufacturers prefer to create their own sync software for their specific device. You might have to sync your device using this program instead of Sync Center. Try opening this program and checking if it includes sync capabilities.

For more information, see Sync with a device.

There are a number of possibilities. Make sure that your device is turned on and that it is properly plugged into your computer. Try turning it off and on and plugging it in a second time. If it connects wirelessly to your computer, make sure the connection is working. If your device requires batteries, make sure they are fresh. Try clicking the refresh button in Sync Center.

If none of these problems exist, check to make sure Windows still recognizes your device.

You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.

For more information, see Sync with a device.

Sync Center allows software and device manufacturers and other organizations to set sync options for their own products and still have them work with Sync Center. For example, mobile device manufacturers often create their own sync software customized for their particular device. Sync Center provides a common place to set up and monitor all this sync software. For any program or device to be able to sync in Sync Center, it must support Sync Center.

If you sync files between two different locations and you delete a file from one location, Sync Center will also delete the same file from the second location to keep both locations in sync. This is the only situation in which Sync Center will delete a file. If you don't want this to happen, don't delete any files from the folders that you sync with, or do not sync with those folders any longer.

For more information, see How can I avoid deleting files when I sync?

You might have sync conflicts or sync errors that prevented sync from completing. A sync conflict stops Sync Center from being able to sync two different versions of a file until you resolve the conflict. Sync errors usually stop sync from completing until you solve the problem that caused the error.

To see if you have any sync conflicts or errors:

If this happens, Sync Center will automatically stop sync from proceeding and display an error message. You will not lose any files or other information. To continue to sync, you will need to free some space on the computer or mobile device. After you do this, you should be able to sync again.