How to Fix QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20?

Have you stumbled upon QuickBooks error code 20 (Printer not activated issue) and are seeking different ways to fix this technical snag? Well, this is something that you might experience, while upgrading from Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7 or later versions. This is because the new operating system eliminates the use of the software key in the registry settings, which ultimately leads to printer related issues. In case you are trying to print from QuickBooks 2009 installed on Windows 10 system, then it is most probable to encounter this error. This error can also appear on the screen when you try to print a pay slip, form, or a PDF using QuickBooks desktop. There are numerous facts associated with this error code that will be discussed later in this article, along with the tips and tricks to get rid of it.

If you want to unleash wider known facts about QuickBooks error code 20: printer not activated, or want our experts to fix this issue, then you can consult our QuickBooks error support team. Our team of experts will not only fix the error for you, but also it will hardly take anytime to the professionals to fix this issue for you.

What is QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error 20?

Printer not activated error 20 in QuickBooks is one of the most commonly encountered error that usually occurs when the new operating system puts the Hkey_Current-config\software key in the registry settings. This error is a common printing and PDF related issues faced by QuickBooks users, especially when emailing invoices or saving forms as PDF files. As a result of this error, you wont be able to print or send invoices and Payslips, which leads to further nuisance. This error is also caused by many other software’s apart from the QuickBooks but there is significance on QuickBooks is more than any other software. The good news is that QuickBooks error code 20 is fixable in most cases without advanced technical repair. So, without further delay, let's discuss more about this error.

You may see the following error message on your desktop screen when you are trying to print a file:

“You cannot print directly to the QuickBooks PDF converter. Try using QuickBooks Save as PDF menu option”.

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What Causes QuickBooks Error Code 20?

Now that you have learnt what is meant by this error, it is time for you to find out what triggers QuickBooks error code 20. This error code can be seen, if:

• QuickBooks 2009 has compatibility issues with Windows 10
• You are still using QuickBooks 2009.
• QuickBooks Windows registry file issues may also lead to Error 20.
• Unsupported printer drivers may be set up on your system.
• An outdated application key
• The PDF converter might not be configured properly
• There is an outdated Windows operating system set up on your system.

Important Points

Important points to remember before rectifying printer problems. Before beginning with the rectification process of QuickBooks error 20: Printer not activated error, it is recommended to read the pointers below:

Create a registry backup

• Take the registry backup, before jumping on to any process.
• Visit the Registry Editor and then click on Computer, which can be seen in the folder tree in the left side.

• Select the File option and then hit Export option.

• To end the process, click on Save and you good to go.

Create a system restore point

It should be noted that the restore guide is not only labeled for Windows 10, but also they work on Windows Vista, 7 as well as Windows 8.

• Ensure that you are not using a discontinued version of QuickBooks. This is because every QuickBooks version is only good for 3 years from the year in which it was launched.
• Another point to be kept in mind is to update QuickBooks software, along with the Windows drivers.
• Ensure to login as admin on Windows and not as a guest user.
• In case there is two different versions of QuickBooks installed on the Windows operating system, then it is recommended to ensure that both of versions have varied installation directories.
• Make an attempt to install 32-bit version of Windows, in the case of Windows XP or Vista.

Change the Directory

You can take the below points into consideration before changing the directory:

• Generate backup, when making any changes to the current registry. In case you are unable to solve issues with modified registry, then it is recommended to use old registry.
• In order to handle further complications, it is recommended to create a system recovery point.

Close the final draft

In order to close the final draft on the system, you can simply carry out the steps below:

For Windows 10 or later versions:

• Move to the Start or Windows icon on the screen.
• Right-click the Final draft9/8 tile.
• Hit a click on Run as admin tab.

For Windows 7/Vista:

• If you are a Windows 7 or Vista user, then click on Start menu and also click on Programs tab.
• Hit a right-click on the final draft 9/8' and click on Run as administrator tab.
• Try to save the documents in PDF format. You will be able to save the script in PDF format without any issue.

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Updated Methods to Fix QuickBooks Error 20 (Printer not Activated)

Once you have explored the symptoms, causes, as well as precautions, you are all set to carry out the steps to rectify QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error 20. Well, the list of solutions to this error code is huge, but not all methods work in all cases. Thus, we have enumerated below some of the most effective and recommended methods, which will help you in fixing the issue. So, without wasting much time, let us begin with the processes.

Method 1: Mend QuickBooks PDF component QBprint.qbp file

The very first method that can be adopted by you, can be to fix QuickBooks PDF component QBprint.qbp file.

• Open the Windows Control Panel and then visit the Programs and Features tab.

• Pick the QuickBooks software from the list of installed programs.
• Hit a click on change and then begin with the repair process, along with that, follow the instruction till the end.

• Once done with that, make sure to reboot the system, when the QuickBooks repair process comes to an end.
• Now make an attempt to print something, and find out whether the error continues or not.

Method 2: Turn off the UAC settings

• Hit Windows + R keys, and after that type in Control Panel inside the Run window.
• Tap on the OK button.
• Hit a click on the User Accounts that can be found under the Control Panel.

• Once done, click on Change user access control settings and then move the slider to Never to notify.

• The final step is to hit OK and restart the system.

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Method 3: Reinstall Microsoft XPS Document Writer

• Press the Start button, on your keyboard and open Control Panel.
• Select the Programs and Features tab.
• Hit a click on Turn Windows features on or off.

• Now tick an uncheck mark on Microsoft XPS Document Writer option.
• Once done, reboot your system.
• If the problem has fixed then re-enable the XPS Document Writer again by hitting a check-mark on it.

Method 4: Setting Full Control Access for software folder in Windows Registry

If none of the above methods worked, then try to set full control access for software folder in Windows registry. As this methods can help you to get rid of QuickBooks error code 20. The steps involved in this method are as follows:

• Hit the Start tab and then type in Regedit.
• Right click on regedit icon and then tap on the run as admin option.

• Move to the HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG folder and then hit on the software folder.
• Now click on permissions.

• Now check Full control for the users.
• Hit on OK and then close the registry editor.

• End the process by opening QuickBooks and then try to print a pdf to check if the error persists.

Method 5: Check default email program in Windows registry

• Press the Windows + R keys initially, and then type in command as Regedit.
• Hit a click on OK tab.
• Move to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER-> Software -> Clients -> Mail.

• Now verify the default email name, in case it is not the default program, hit a click on Default section and then type in the name of the email program.
• The last step in the process is to hit OK button and then reboot Windows.

Read it Also: Reset your QuickBooks Password for Admin and Other Users

Method 6: Use QuickBooks Print and PDF repair tool

If none of the methods worked in your favor, then you can make use of the QuickBooks print repair tool. The steps to be followed are:

• You can download the QuickBooks PDF and Print repair tool from the QuickBooks tool hub program.
• Run the tool in administrator mode.
• The application will run with a red background and will let you find the solution.
• Make sure that the QuickBooks version is updated.
• Also ensure that the printer is printing out of your QuickBooks.
• You will be prompted to restart after running the tool.
• While running the tool, keep in mind that all other running applications are closed.

Method 7: Permit the usage of PowerShell script

Well, it should be noted that this option is only for the Windows 10 users. You can update the registry key editor manually by offering authority to use Powershell script. The steps involved in granting permission are as follows:

• Hit a click on Start tab and type in cmd.
• Choose Run as admin option, after right-clicking Cmd.

• Now type PowerShell in the command prompt and then hit on Enter key.
• To end the process, make sure to copy and paste the following code in the command prompt.

PowerShell.exe -NoProfile -NoLogo -NonInteractive -Command “$key = [Microsoft.Win32.Registry]::CurrentConfig.OpenSubKey(‘Software’,[Microsoft.Win32.RegistryKeyPermissionCheck]::ReadWriteSubTree,[System.Security.AccessControl.RegistryRights]::ChangePermissions); $acl =$key.GetAccessControl(); $rule = New-Object System.Security.AccessControl.RegistryAccessRule (‘Users’,’FullControl’,’ObjectInherit,ContainerInherit’,’None’,’Allow’); $acl.SetAccessRule($rule); $key.SetAccessControl($acl);”

This will update the registry and fix the error.

See also: Steps to fix QuickBooks error code 80070057

Method 8: Activate Printer Spooler Service

When none of the methods helped, make sure to activate the print spooler service. The steps to be carried out in this process are as follows:

• Hold down the Windows logo and then Press the Windows + R keys together.
• The next step is to type services.msc and hit Enter key.

• Choose the Print spooler option and then select the Stop option.

• Once done, hit a right-click on it and click on Start option.

• Now check if the error is resolved or not.

Method 9: Re-install QuickBooks desktop

• Open the Control Panel and then click on Programs and Features option. After that, locate the software.

• Hit on uninstall option.
• Download the proper version of the software, ensuring its compatibility with the operating system.

• Now make sure that the printer and the program are working fine.
• In case you encounter certain issues regarding the un-installation, then use the system security application, just like Reimage or RegCure Pro, in order to clean the system from corrupted files.

Also Read: Fix Splash Screen Shows Up But QuickBooks Is Not Opening Error

Method 10: Fix Microsoft Document Writer Windows component

The Microsoft document writer is preinstalled Windows component, and it helps in printing file. The component enables Windows to assist the QuickBooks application in saving the information in PDF. The steps involved are as follows:

• Right-click on the QuickBooks icon and then choose the open file location tab.
• Move to the temp folder.
• Locate and double-click on the .exe file, and complete the installation.
• Now open QuickBooks once to register the license.
• In case you are facing an issue in installing ABS PDF driver, or it stops responding, then try reinstalling them again.
• Print again and then verify the QuickBooks error code, once the installation process completes.

Winding up!

Tackling QuickBooks error 20 printer not activated can be a daunting task, but carrying out the above listed methods can assist in fixing the issue. However, for any kind of technical assistance, or if the same error still persists, do not hesitate in ringing up our dedicated helpline i.e. 1-800-761-1787. Our QuickBooks enterprise support team and U.S based accounting professionals will ensure to provide instant support. We will be happy to help you!

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