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How to Fix QuickBooks Error Code 20 Printer Not Activated?

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The QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 typically occurs when your operating system is incompatible with your QuickBooks version, preventing you from printing invoices, payslips, and other forms. This issue is often caused by missing registry keys, outdated software, or compatibility problems. To resolve it, you can use QuickBooks' Print & PDF Repair Tool or follow detailed solutions such as modifying registry permissions, repairing PDF drivers, or reinstalling QuickBooks.…

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To fix QuickBooks Error Code 20, you can use the QuickBooks Print and PDF Repair Tool, which is the most direct solution, or follow these manual steps: first, reset the Print Spooler service and clear the print queue. Then, update your printer drivers.

If the problem continues, try running QuickBooks as an administrator and checking the Windows registry for proper permissions on the HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PrinterPorts folder.

QuickBooks Error Code 20, known as the “Printer Not Activated” error, occurs when the QuickBooks Desktop application fails to connect correctly to Windows printing services because of compatibility conflicts, damaged registry keys, or outdated PDF drivers.

This guide explains the root causes, system impact, and step-by-step solutions to restore QuickBooks printing and PDF functions by using QuickBooks tools and verified manual methods.

What is QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20, and How Does It Look When it appears?

The QuickBooks printer not activated error 20 arises when your operating system is incompatible with the existing QuickBooks version, causing printing problems.

Your printer displays an error message stating, “Printer not Activated, Error code -20.” This error surfaces when a user attempts to print using the QuickBooks Desktop application, such as pay slips, forms, PDFs, or while emailing invoices. 

After clicking the OK button after the post error, the system shows a message saying, “Could not print to printer. Check your printer selection. Printing may have been canceled from another program”.

root causes Of QuickBooks Printer not Activating Error Code 20?

The following factors can contribute to the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20:

  • Missing/Faulty “HKey_current_config\software” Key: This error frequently results from to the absence or corruption of the “HKey_current_config\software” key, which is the same registry key QuickBooks relies on. This situation causes the outdated key to disrupt the functioning of the application and printer, affecting other software as well.
  • Multiple QB Installations: Multiple installations of QuickBooks on a computer may lead to this error, but only if these versions have the same directories. If they operate via different directories, this is probably the cause of the problem.
  • Compatibility Issue: If you encounter the same error repeatedly and cannot save or download invoices, bills, or payslips as PDFs, it indicates a compatibility issue between QuickBooks, the PDF driver, and the operating system.
  • Use of QuickBooks 2009: Continued use of QuickBooks 2009 can cause compatibility issues between QuickBooks and Windows 10, causing this error.
  • Other Possible Reasons for this Error: The following are other possible causes of the Printer Not Activated Error Code 20:
  • QuickBooks Windows registry file problems
  • Unsupported printer drivers 
  • Outdated application keys
  • Misconfigured PDF converter
  • Outdated Windows operating system 
  • Faulty QuickBooks Installation

How can we identify the impact of the QuickBooks Printer not activating Error Code 20?

When this error appears, printing anything from QuickBooks becomes impossible, disrupting your workflow. QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 error prevents users from publishing or sending invoices and payslips, causing inconvenience and delay with business operations.

This error typically occurs when a user attempts to install or upgrade the Windows version or often because of the missing or faulty “HKey_current_config\software” Software key. 

In the case of QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error 20, the users will see the following error message on their screen: 

“Printer not Activated, Error code -20.”

Or

“Could not print to the printer. Check your printer selection. Printing may have been canceled from another program.”

Or

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

Solutions To Fix QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20

QuickBooks Error Code 20, or “Printer Not Activated,” prevents the user from generating invoices, PDFs, and reports directly from the QuickBooks Desktop application. The following solutions outline both automated and manual troubleshooting procedures to restore the print and PDF functions. Each step should be performed in sequence to ensure complete resolution of the error.

Solutions Part 1

This section covers the preliminary actions and essential precautions before performing any advanced troubleshooting. Executing these initial steps will protect system configurations and data integrity. Completing these safety procedures ensures that later modifications do not cause irreversible changes in the Windows environment.

Important Precautions Before Applying Solutions

Before modifying system components, registry entries, or QuickBooks configurations, it is crucial to secure the operating system. The following solutions, including registry backup and restore point creation, serve as protective steps against data corruption. Completing these actions helps ensure a safe rollback if an unexpected issue occurs.

Solution 1: Back up your registry

The first and most crucial step before starting any troubleshooting process is to back up your registry. To do this, go to the Registry Editor and click on the Computer option, which can be found in the folder tree on the left side. Next, select the file option and then click on the Export option. Finally, click on Save to finish the process.

Solution 2: Creating a system restore point 

Establishing a system restore point will provide a safety net for the future. If any troubleshooting methods fail or if the error worsens in your system, you’ll have the option to restore the system. It’s important to note that the restore option is applicable not only for Windows 10 but also for Windows Vista/Seven and Windows 8.

Complete the following steps to set up a System Restore Point:

  1. Step 1: Click on the “Start” or “Windows” icon.   
  2. Step 2: Search for System Restore and select Create a New Restore Point.
  3. Step 3: This will take you to the “System Properties” screen.   
  4. Step 4: Enable the “Protection Setting.”
  5. Step 5: If this function is disabled, click “Configure” and set up the protection.   
  6. Step 6: Click Apply and OK to finish.

The above procedure will automatically create a system restore point.

Solution 3: Make sure QuickBooks isn’t the cause of the problem

Make sure you’re not using an outdated version of QuickBooks. This is because each QuickBooks version is only supported for 3 years from its release year. Another important point is to keep your QuickBooks software and Windows drivers updated. 

Ensure that you’re logged in as an admin on Windows and not as a guest user. 

If you have two different versions of QuickBooks installed on your Windows operating system, make sure that each version has its own installation directory. 

Try installing the 32-bit version of Windows if you’re using Windows XP or Vista.

Solution 4: Perform System-Specific Solution

If you’re encountering the “Printer not activated, Error – 20” issue on Windows 7 or later or earlier versions, complete the following step in order to rectify the error:

  1. Create a Backup Registry
    • Step 1: Access the “Registry Editor.”
    • Step 2: Click on the ‘Computer’ icon in the folder tree.
    • Step 3: Select “File” > “Export” > “Save” to create a backup.
  1. Create a System Restore Point
    • Prepare for potential complications by setting up a system recovery point, as explained above.
  1. Modify the Directory
    • Modify the directory as required, but before proceeding, ensure you have a backup of the current registry and a system restore point before making any changes. If the modified registry doesn’t resolve the issue, revert to the old registry.
  1. Close the Final Draft:
  • For Windows 8/10/11:
  1. Step 1: Click on the “Start” or “Windows” icon.   
  2. Step 2: Search and Right-click on the “Final Draft 9/8” tile.   
  3. Step 3: Select the Run as Administrator option.
  4. Step 4: Attempt to save the documents in PDF format again. You should now be able to save your script as a PDF without any issues.
  • For Windows 7/Vista:
  1. Step 1: Navigate to the “Start” icon => “Programs” tab.   
  2. Step 2: Search and choose “Final Draft 9/8”.   
  3. Step 3: Select the ‘Run as Administrator’ option.   
  4. Step 4: Attempt to save the documents in PDF format again. You should now be able to save your script as a PDF without any issues.

Solution Part 2

The second part focuses on system-level and QuickBooks-specific fixes. These steps involve repairing printer services, registry permissions, and QuickBooks components that interact with the Windows printing framework. Proceed carefully and validate each step before continuing.

Solution 1: Fixing the Microsoft Document Writer Windows Component

The Microsoft Document Writer is a built-in component of Windows that assists in file printing. This feature allows Windows to support the QuickBooks application in storing data in PDF format. The process to fix this component is as follows:

Microsoft Document Writer Windows component related to QuickBooks Error Code 20 Printer not activated issue, showing the connection between printer settings and error resolution
  1. Step 1: Right-click the QuickBooks icon and select the “Open file location” option.
  2. Step 2: Navigate to the temp folder 
  3. Step 3: Find and right-click the .exe file to initiate installation.
  4. Step 4: Open QuickBooks to register the license.
  5. Step 5: If necessary, reinstall the ABS PDF driver if you encounter any issues during its installation or if it becomes unresponsive.
  6. Step 6: After installation, attempt to print again and check for any QuickBooks error codes.

Solution 2: Check and Configure the Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler service controls how Windows handles print requests. If the service is stopped or misconfigured, QuickBooks cannot connect to the printer. Ensuring that the Print Spooler is active restores the communication channel between QuickBooks and Windows printing utilities.

To activate the Windows Print Spooler Service, complete the following steps: 

  1. Step 1: Press Windows + R and type ‘services.msc.’
  2. Step 2: Find the Print Spooler service, right-click it, and select ‘Start.’
  3. Step 3: Attempt to print a document in QuickBooks.
  4. Step 4: Check QuickBooks PDF Capabilities with QBprint.qbp File and Repair It

To check QuickBooks PDF capabilities, use the QBprint.qbp file and repair it, complete the following steps:

QBprint.qbp file showing the QuickBooks error code 20: Printer not activated, highlighting a common issue related to printing in QuickBooks
  1. Step 1: Go to the Windows Control Panel and select the Programs and Features tab.
  2. Step 2: From the list of installed programs, choose the QuickBooks accounting software.
  3. Step 3: Click on ‘Change’ and follow the instructions provided to carry out the repair process until it’s complete.
  4. Step 4: Once the repair process is finished, make sure to restart your system.

Finally, try to print something to see if the error has been resolved. If not, you may need to explore other solutions.

Solution 3: Manually Edit or Update The Registry Key

Registry permission errors are among the most frequent causes of Error Code 20. Adjusting permissions ensures QuickBooks can access the necessary subkeys under HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG. Performing this step carefully will reestablish the link between the application and Windows printer drivers.

There are two methods for manually updating the registry key:

Method 1: Grant Permission Using Registry Editor

  1. Step 1: Open your registry editor.
  2. Step 2: Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  3. Step 3: Enter the ‘regedit’ command.
  4. Step 4: Right-click on ‘regedit’ and select ‘Run as Administrator’.
  5. Step 5: Access the registry editor by searching for:

 HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG

  1. Step 1: Right-click the software folder name and choose ‘Permission’.
  2. Step 2: Ensure that the user has full access control of the table.
  3. Step 3: Click ‘OK’ to close the window and the registry editor.

After completing these steps, QuickBooks should have access to all keys, and the printer should function properly.

Method 2: Grant Permission Using PowerShell Script (for Windows 10/11 users)

This method is specifically for Windows 10/11 users. You can manually update your registry key editor by granting permission using a PowerShell script.

Note: The user account control seeking permission should be logged in. A user account can also gain access using the command prompt.

  1. Step 1: Click on the Start button.
  2. Step 2: Type ‘cmd’.
  3. Step 3: Right-click ‘cmd’ and select ‘Run as an administrator.’
  4. Step 4: Type ‘PowerShell’ in the command prompt and press the Enter key.
  5. Step 5: Finally, copy and paste the code below into 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);”

Solution 4: Reinstall QuickBooks Using the Clean Install Tool

A clean installation removes any damaged or duplicate QuickBooks files and reinstalls all necessary components. This ensures that no conflicting data remains from previous installations. Using the Clean Install Tool is a proven method to restore full printing functionality when other repairs fail.

Follow the steps below to accomplish this: 

  1. Step 1: Press the Windows + R key simultaneously to open the Run Window 
  2. Step 2: Type the command Control Panel in the search bar and press Enter.
  3. Step 3: Under Programs and Features, locate QuickBooks and click on Uninstall/Change.
  4. Step 4: Click on the Uninstall option.
  5. Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.
  6. Step 6: Run the QuickBooks Tool Hub and go to the Program Installation Problems section.
  7. Step 7: Open the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool and check the mark on: I Accept on the license agreement page.
  8. Step 8: Finally, follow the instructions that appear on the screen to proceed with the clean installation process of QuickBooks on your Desktop.

Attempt to print again after installation and check if the QuickBooks Printing error code still persists or not.

Solution 5: Check the Default Email Program in the Windows Registry

QuickBooks integrates with email programs for sending invoices and forms. If the default email client is missing or incorrectly configured in the registry, it may trigger printer or PDF errors. Verifying and correcting this setting restores proper communication between QuickBooks and the email service.

To check the default email program in the Windows Registry, complete the following steps:

  1. Step 1: Press Windows + R and type ‘Regedit,’ then click OK.
  2. Step 2: Right-click ‘Regedit’ and select ‘Run as an admin.’
  3. Step 3: Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Clients > Mail.
  4. Step 4: Verify the default email name and change it if necessary.
  5. Step 5: Restart Windows.

Solution 6: Check and Configure the Print Spooler Service

The Print Spooler service may occasionally stop or fail to initialize during QuickBooks updates or Windows maintenance. Reactivating this service ensures that queued print jobs are processed correctly. This step helps confirm that the printing subsystem is operational after other repairs.

To activate the Windows Print Spooler Service, complete the following steps: 

  1. Step 1: Press Windows + R and type ‘services.msc.’
  2. Step 2: Find the Print Spooler service, right-click it, and select ‘Start.’
  3. Step 3: Attempt to print a document in QuickBooks.
  4. Step 4: Check QuickBooks PDF Capabilities with QBprint.qbp File and Repair It

To check QuickBooks PDF capabilities, use the QBprint.qbp file and repair it, complete the following steps:

  1. Step 1: Go to the Windows Control Panel and select the Programs and Features tab.
  2. Step 2: From the list of installed programs, choose the QuickBooks accounting software.
  3. Step 3: Click on ‘Change’ and follow the instructions provided to carry out the repair process until it’s complete.
  4. Step 4: Once the repair process is finished, make sure to restart your system.

Finally, try to print something to see if the error has been resolved. If not, you may need to explore other solutions.

Conclusion!

QuickBooks Error Code 20 (Printer Not Activated) is a technical malfunction that interrupts the printing or PDF conversion process in QuickBooks Desktop due to outdated system configurations or registry permission issues. Resolving this error requires an organized approach involving the QuickBooks Print & PDF Repair Tool, registry permission verification, and printer service reconfiguration.

Maintaining updated QuickBooks versions, compatible printer drivers, and proper Windows permissions ensures sustained functionality. Regular system maintenance and periodic software updates are essential to prevent recurrence of this error and maintain seamless accounting operations.

Frequently Asked Questions!

Why does QuickBooks Error Code 20 appear after a Windows update?

This error often appears after Windows updates modify or replace registry entries related to QuickBooks PDF drivers. The update can reset permissions or disable printer settings, requiring reconfiguration to restore functionality.

Can using multiple QuickBooks versions cause Error Code 20?

Yes. Installing multiple QuickBooks versions on the same system can lead to conflicting registry paths and overlapping printer drivers. Each version should have its own installation directory to avoid such conflicts.

How does the QuickBooks Print & PDF Repair Tool help fix printing errors?

The Print & PDF Repair Tool automatically diagnoses and repairs issues with QuickBooks PDF components, printer settings, and Windows permissions. It restores missing drivers and resets configurations required for successful printing.

What preventive steps can users take to avoid Error Code 20 in the future?

Users should keep both QuickBooks and Windows fully updated, avoid manual registry edits, and regularly back up registry data. Ensuring administrative privileges during QuickBooks installation also helps prevent this issue.

Is Error Code 20 related to hardware printer issues?

Not directly. This error is typically linked to software-level issues such as registry permissions, PDF converter malfunction, or system compatibility problems rather than hardware printer malfunctions.

What should I do if Error Code 20 persists even after following all solutions?

If the error persists, perform a clean reinstallation of QuickBooks using the Clean Install Tool. If the problem remains unresolved, consult QuickBooks support to check for deeper Windows permission conflicts or profile-level restrictions.

Disclaimer: The information outlined above for “How to Fix QuickBooks Error Code 20 Printer Not Activated?” 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.