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+1-802-778-9005The 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 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”.
The following factors can contribute to QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20:
Missing/Faulty “HKey_current_config\software” Key: This error frequently results due 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 This situation causes the outdated key to disrupt the functioning of the application and printer, affecting other software as well.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:
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 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 QuickBooks Save as PDF menu option”
You can utilize the QuickBooks print repair tool to solve the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20. The following are the steps to accomplish this:
Before you start fixing the QuickBooks error 20 Printer not activated error, it’s advised to take note of the following precautionary steps:
1. Backup 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.
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:
The above procedure will automatically create a system restore point.
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.
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:
Prepare for potential complications by setting up a system recovery point, as explained above.
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.
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:
To set full control access in the Windows registry, complete the following steps:
Try printing a PDF to check if the error persists.
To check the default email program in the Windows Registry, complete the following steps:
To activate Windows Print Spooler Service, complete the following steps:
To check QuickBooks PDF capabilities, use the QBprint.qbp file and repair it, complete the following steps:
Finally, try to print something to see if the error has been resolved. If not, you may need to explore other solutions.
There are two methods for manually updating the registry key:
Method 1: Grant Permission Using Registry Editor
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG
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.
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);”
You can eliminate the printer error by uninstalling QB from your system and then reinstalling it using the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool. Follow the steps below to accomplish this:
Attempt to print again after installation and check if the QuickBooks Printing error code still persists or not.