QuickBooks Cannot Complete The Current Action Due To A Missing PDF Component – Resolved

Users encounter an error message in QuickBooks that reads: “QuickBooks cannot complete the current action due to a missing pdf components.” This error occurs when users attempt to print invoices, checks, paychecks, reports, and other documents.

Interestingly, the same error message also appears on the screen when users try to print PDF files within the software. Unfortunately, the error does not mention which component is missing on the next steps to resolve the issue.

However, QuickBooks printing issues are a common occurrence and can be solved by following simple steps. Alternatively, users can utilize the QuickBooks PDF and Print Repair Tool for assistance.

What is QuickBooks Missing PDF Component Error?

QuickBooks PDF Component Missing error can occur due to various technical issues, including outdated or damaged Adobe Reader components, a disabled Microsoft XPS Document Writer, or missing File or Print components.

QuickBooks users often utilize the printing feature within the application or opt to save their files as PDFs for security or other reasons. However, they might come across an error message that reads: QuickBooks Can’t Complete the Current Action due to a Missing Component PDF when trying to print documents and reports.

The users also get the following error message on their desktop screen when they try to send an invoice by email:

“QuickBooks Detected that a Component Required to Create PDF is Missing Issue,”
Or
“QuickBooks can’t complete the current action due to a missing component
You can try again by exiting and restarting QuickBooks. If you’re still having problems, download and run the Print and PDF repair tool”
Or
“QuickBooks cannot complete the current action due to a missing component“

QB file component issues, most often occur because the file cannot be saved as a PDF, which renders it inaccessible due to a missing component. This issue occurs due to damaged or missing PDF components.

Symptoms of QuickBooks Missing PDF Component Error

The following are the symptoms of QuickBooks Missing PDF Component Error:

For Windows 11

1. Challenges with printing beyond QuickBooks Desktop may persist.
2. Due to the error, users may need Help when attempting to print, create, or email paystubs or payroll reports.
3. QuickBooks Desktop may unexpectedly close and fail to open correctly. Screen elements might be misaligned, and grey or white screens could appear.
4. An error message reading, “QuickBooks Detected that a Component Required to create PDF,” may flash on the screen.
5. QuickBooks Desktop may exhibit poor performance.
6. Users might be unable to open PDF files on their computers.
7. Frequent application freezing and lags can create quite a commotion.
8. Windows functionality may suffer, leading to slowdowns or even crashes.

For Windows 10

1. Users may encounter the error message “The device is not ready.”
2. Users may have trouble connecting to their currently selected printer, specifically the Microsoft XPS Document Writer on the XPS port.
3. QuickBooks Desktop is unresponsive, causing delays or freezing.
4. The PDF Converter displays an offline status, preventing direct printing.
5. QuickBooks Desktop cannot save your forms or reports as PDF files.
6. Unrecoverable errors such as 15064 06798, 14982 50172, and 14983 96787.
7. Users may encounter the error “Could not print to the printer.”
8. The Print Driver Host for 32-bit Applications has stopped working unexpectedly.
9. Direct printing to the QuickBooks PDF Converter is not possible.
10. You’re unable to save files as .pdf.
11. QuickBooks Desktop freezes when attempting to reconcile accounts.
12. An error message states: “QuickBooks can’t complete the current action due to a missing component: Missing pdf file component.”
13. Encounter Error 1722 or 1801 during PDF Converter installation.
14. Activation issues with the QuickBooks PDF Converter, such as Error -20, -30, or -41

Reasons Behind Why QuickBooks Detected PDF Component Missing

This error can arise due to various factors. Here are a few common reasons why the error consistently appears on your screen:

• When the File or Print components are damaged or missing.
• When Microsoft XPS Document Writer is turned off in Windows settings.
• When the Adobe Reader’s components are damaged, missing or outdated.
• An outdated version of the Adobe Acrobat Reader program may detected PDF component missing in QuickBooks.

eBetterBooks: Quick Fixes

Below are some problems and quick fixes to them:

Problem	Solution
PDF-related errors in QuickBooks can occur if Adobe Acrobat Reader is not updated or needs to be repaired.	Users need to have an updated version of Adobe Acrobat Reader in their computer. If they do not have one, they can download it from the official Adobe website.
Missing or turned off Microsoft XPS Document Writer may cause printing issues, as it is important for creating PDF files in QuickBooks.	Users should check if the Microsoft XPS Document Writer is enabled in their Windows settings.
If any file or print component is missing or damaged, it may lead to error QuickBooks Missing Component	Users can download the QuickBooks PDF and Print Repair Tool, which helps diagnose and fix PDF-related issues within the program.
Outdated QuickBooks versions may have compatibility issues.	Users should update their QuickBooks Desktop to the latest version available.

Things to Consider Before Troubleshooting Missing PDF Component in QuickBooks Desktop

When dealing with the QuickBooks Missing Component PDF error, it’s essential to approach the troubleshooting process methodically.

Here are some supportive steps to consider before moving toward the solutions:

Update QuickBooks Desktop – You are advised to update your QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release.

Create a Company Backup File

1. Open QuickBooks.
2. Go to the File menu.
3. Click on “Backup Company”.
4. Select “Create Local Backup”.
5. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to create a backup of the company file.

You’ll ensure a secure backup of your important data by following these steps.

How do you troubleshoot a QuickBooks PDF component missing issue?

The QuickBooks Missing PDF Component Error shows up most often when attempting to print or save forms as PDFs from QuickBooks. Although, it is an easy error to rectify, especially if measures are taken. Here, you will find easy solutions to this problem. 

When encountering the QuickBooks PDF Component Missing Issue, follow these steps to troubleshoot and solve the issue:

Solution 1: Update Adobe Acrobat Reader

Updating Adobe Acrobat Reader will ensure that you are working on the latest version to avoid the version compatibility error.

Below are the steps to update the application:

Solution 2: Repair Adobe Reader

Sometimes, Adobe Reader doesn’t work properly. It can be repaired using the below steps:

1. Press the Windows + R keys in the Run Windows text box.
2. Type appwiz.cpl.
3. Double-click on Adobe Reader from the list.
4. Select the “Repair” tab.
5. Select the Install button and then press Next once again.
6. Click Next after the completion of the installation process.
7. Finally, restart Windows.
8. If you still need help printing PDFs from QuickBooks due to a missing component, proceed to the next troubleshooting solution.

Solution 3: Update QuickBooks Desktop

One of the common QuickBooks errors that users can solve by updating the software is the missing PDF component error:

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop ,
3. Choose Update Now and press the Get Updates button.
4. When the update is done, close the QuickBooks and open it once again.

Solution 4: Use QuickBooks Print & PDF Repair Tool

The QuickBooks Print & PDF Repair Tool is a helpful utility designed to troubleshoot issues related to printing, emailing, or saving PDF files from QuickBooks Desktop. When you encounter problems with these functions, the tool can assist in resolving common problems.

Step 1: Download and Install QuickBooks Tool Hub

1. Press Alt + F4 to close QuickBooks.
2. Download the latest version of QuickBooks Tool Hub.
3. Double-click on the downloaded QB Tool Hub file (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
4. Follow the instructions that appear on screen to complete the installation.
5. Finally, agree to the terms and conditions.

Step 2: Run QuickBooks Print & PDF Repair Tool

1. Search for “QuickBooks Tool Hub” in Windows and select the program.
2. In the QuickBooks Tool Hub, click on the Program Problems tab.
3. Select QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool from the available options. The tool will run for approximately one minute and attempt to fix any PDF and printing-related errors.
4. After the repair process is complete, try printing PDFs, invoices, and other documents from QuickBooks Desktop again.

Solution 5: Create a New Template and Form

PDF problems can originate from damaged templates. Creating a new one may help by following the below-mentioned steps:

1. Now, to accomplish this, open QuickBooks and go to the Lists tab.
2. Templates are selected from the list, and you click on New to develop a new template for the list.
3. Use this new template for your form and attempt to save or export it as a PDF.

Solution 6: Restart and Reset the Temp Folder Permission

Another reason people may need help is that they have incorrect folders permissions that hinder QuickBooks from creating PDFs.

1. Shut down QuickBooks first and then restart your computer.
2. Returning to the folder, copy the shortcut from the link just provided and paste it into the Temp folder.
3. To do this, simultaneously press the Windows button and the R key, which opens the ‘Run’ dialogue box: type %TEMP% and click ‘ok’.
4. Select Properties and then open the Security tab by right-clicking on the folder’s name.
5. Set permissions for all users, who all have full control, and then apply the settings.
6. Close QuickBooks and restart QuickBooks again, and hopefully, the problem will not persist.

Solution 7: Enable Microsoft XPS Document Writer

QuickBooks uses the Microsoft XPS Document Writer to save forms, reports, and other documents as PDF files. When you save these documents as PDFs within QuickBooks, it generates an XPS file using this printer. Enabling Microsoft XPS Document Writer ensures that QuickBooks can create PDFs without errors.

1. Simultaneously press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard.
2. In the “Run” dialog that appears, type appwiz. Cpl and hit Enter.
3. Click on the Turn Windows features on or off from the left-hand panel in the Programs and Features window.
4. Look for the Microsoft XPS Document Writer checkbox in the list.
5. Ensure that it is selected (checked).
6. To verify if the issue has been resolved, try printing from QuickBooks again.
7. If the error message “QuickBooks cannot complete the current action due to a missing component” no longer appears, the problem should be fixed.

Solution 8: Restart Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler service controls all print jobs in Windows operating systems. Booting it up may solve problems, but it creates the missing PDF component error.

1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R.
2. Open the Run Utility, then write services.msc on the screen.
3. Navigate to Print Spooler, then right-click it and choose the option – Stop.
4. Wait for a few seconds and right click the mouse again and then select Start.
5. Open QuickBooks to see if the PDF problem has been solved or not.

How to Fix QuickBooks “cannot complete the current action due to a missing component pDF windows 11” error?

If you’re facing issue with QuickBooks PDF component missing on windows 11, follow these simple steps to resolve the issue:

Step 1: Update Your PDF Viewer

Ensure that your default PDF viewer is up-to-date. Often, outdated software can cause problems when printing forms and reports in QuickBooks Desktop.

Step 2: Rename the QBPrint.qbp File

The QBPrint.qbp file stores printer setup information in QuickBooks. Renaming this file can often fix printing errors.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the folder: C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks 20XX.
   • Note: “20XX” refers to the version of QuickBooks you’re using (e.g., 2021, 2022).
3. If you can’t find the file, make sure hidden files and folders are visible.
4. Locate the file QBPrint.qbp.
5. Right-click the file and select Rename.
6. Add .old to the file name, so it reads: QBPrint.qbp.old.
7. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
8. Go to the File menu and choose Printer Setup.
9. Select any transaction in the Form Name list and click OK. This action will create a new QBPrint.qbp file.
   • Note: You don’t need to repeat this for every transaction.

Step 3: Test Printing

Try printing any transaction to confirm the issue is resolved.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the missing PDF component error in QuickBooks on Windows 11 version.

Bottom Line

The QuickBooks Missing Component Error occurs when the software encounters issues related to PDF components. If the error persists, you may be unable to save invoices, reports, or other forms as PDF files. There are multiple factors, such as a disabled Microsoft XPS Document Writer, an outdated version, or a damaged component of Adobe Reader which can cause this problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check if the XPS services are enabled or disabled?

Here are the revised steps to enable XPS Services and XPS Viewer in Windows:

1. Press the Windows+ E key to open File Explorer.
2. Click on the Computer tab located in the upper left corner.
3. Under the System group, select Uninstall or change a program.
4. On the left, find and click on “Turn Windows features on or off.”
5. Ensure that both XPS Services and XPS Viewer are turned on.

Is there any other way to fix the QuickBooks Missing PDF Component Error?

Here are additional methods to resolve the QuickBooks Missing PDF Component Error:

1. Ensure that the XPS Services feature is turned on in your Windows settings. This is essential for handling XPS documents within QuickBooks.
2. MSXML 6.0 is a Microsoft component required for QuickBooks functionality. If it’s missing or corrupted, install or repair it to prevent errors.
3. Sometimes, template files can become corrupted. Create a fresh template for your forms (such as invoices or reports) within QuickBooks.
4. If you’re using QuickBooks in a terminal services environment, consider bypassing the print spooler service. This can prevent printing and PDF generation conflicts.
5. Verify that the Windows user account has the necessary permissions to use the XPS Document Writer. Adjust permissions if needed.

How to Fix “QuickBooks can’t Complete the Current Action Due to a Missing Component”?

To fix the “QuickBooks can’t Complete the Current Action Due to a Missing Component” error:

1. Restart QuickBooks: Close and reopen QuickBooks to refresh the application.
2. Update QuickBooks: Ensure you have the latest updates installed for QuickBooks.
3. Repair QuickBooks: Use the QuickBooks Repair Tool to fix any damaged files.
4. Check Components: Verify that all necessary components and services are installed and running.
5. Reinstall QuickBooks: If the issue persists, uninstall and then reinstall QuickBooks to replace missing components.
6. Run as Administrator: Launch QuickBooks with administrative rights to ensure proper access to components.

Disclaimer: The information outlined above for “QuickBooks Cannot Complete The Current Action Due To A Missing PDF Component – Resolved” is applicable to all supported versions, including QuickBooks Desktop Pro, Premier, Accountant, and Enterprise. It is designed to work with operating systems such as Windows 7, 10, and 11, as well as macOS.