an error occurred while attempting to synchronize this document library error in onedrive for business

Problem

This article contains information that applies when you use the previous OneDrive sync app (groove.exe).

Note: This article applies only to the previous OneDrive for work or schoolsync app (groove.exe). In most cases, we recommend that you use the newer OneDrive sync app (onedrive.exe) instead. Which OneDrive app?

When you use OneDrive for work or school, you find that the program resynchronizes files, even when there is no apparent reason for the files to resync.

Also, when this problem occurs, some documents may generate the following error message during the resync process:
 

• An error occurred while attempting to synchronize this document library.

Solution

The solution varies, depending on whether you're running the Microsoft Installer (.msi) or Click-to-Run edition of Office. Be aware that the update on the Download Center that's mentioned later in this article applies to the Microsoft Installer (.msi)-based edition of Office 2013 and Office 2016. It doesn't apply to the Office 2013 or Office 2016 Click-to-Run editions, such as Microsoft 365 Family.

 

Notes: 

• After you apply the update that's discussed in this section, your local libraries may show additional messages in the View Sync Problems dialog box, and these will have to be resolved. If you continue to experience errors after you apply the public update, right-click the OneDrive for Business cloud icon in the notification area, select View Sync Problems, and resolve any outstanding issues. If specific files or folders aren't syncing, try to move the affected files or folders out of the OneDrive for Business folder. Then, right-click the OneDrive for Business cloud icon, and select Sync Now. Then, move the files or folders back to their original location, and select Sync Now again. 

• If this fails, we recommend you uninstall uninstall groove.exe and install onedrive.exe.

If you have the .MSI based edition of Office 2013 or Office 2016

To resolve this problem, download and install the February 1, 2016, update for OneDrive for Office 2013 or Office 2016, depending on your installation. To determine whether your Office installation is Click-to-Run or .MSI-based, follow these steps in the "More Information" section of the following Microsoft Knowledge Base articles:

• February 1, 2016, update for OneDrive for Office 2013

• February 1, 2016, update for OneDrive for Office 2016

If you have the Click-To-Run edition of Office 2013 or Office 2016

To resolve this problem, update to the February 9, 2016, update for OneDrive for Office 2013 or 2016, depending on your installation. To determine whether your Office installation is Click-to-Run or .MSI-based, follow these steps in the "More Information" section of the following Microsoft Knowledge Base articles:

• February 9, 2016, update for OneDrive for Office 2013

• February 9, 2016, update for OneDrive for Office 2016

More information

Still need help? Go to Microsoft Community.