As a QuickBooks user, are you also facing QuickBooks Error 20? If you are facing this error when you are trying to print something, then you don’t need to worry. We are here to help you and solve every possible error and problem that can occur in QuickBooks. QuickBooks is an accounting software, so it is common for errors to occur due to technical glitches. You are facing this error after upgrading from Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7 or later versions. This happens because the new operating system eliminates the use of software keys in the registry settings, which leads to QuickBooks printer not activated error 20. This error appears on the screen when you are trying to print pay slips, forms or PDFs using QuickBooks Desktop. Along with this, there are many reasons and facts related to this error, which we will know in detail below.

Reasons that cause QuickBooks error 20

• Generally, this error is caused by the deletion of the HKey_current_config\Software key. QB also uses the same registry key. As a result, the old key prevents the software and printer from working properly. Since many software use the same registry key, a malfunction in any software may cause an error in other software as well.
• If you face the same error repeatedly and are unable to save or download invoices, bills, or pay slips as PDF, it indicates a compatibility issue between QuickBooks, the PDF driver, and the operating system.
• The computer may be busy with multiple versions of QuickBooks, which is usually not harmful, however, it can be one of the causes. Generally, it is not a big deal to have multiple versions of QB installed on the same computer, as long as their directories are different.
• Continued use of QuickBooks 2009 may cause compatibility issues between QuickBooks and Windows 10, which can cause this error to occur.

Important points before troubleshooting error 20

Point 1- Close the final draft on your computer

• If you are using window 8 version or later then first go to the “Start” or “Windows” icon on the screen.
• Now, right-click on the ‘Final Draft 9/8 tile’.
• After this, click on ‘Run as Administrator’ tab.
• If you have window 7/vista then Click the “Start” menu and then click the “Programs” tab.
• Next, right-click on ‘Final Draft 9/8’ and click on the ‘Run as administrator’ tab.
• Now try again to save the documents in PDF format. You will be able to save your script in PDF format without any problem.

Point 2- Create a Restore point

• To create restore point go to the start menu or click window button.
• Search System Restore from the search bar. After that click on the ‘create a New Restore Point’ Option.
• Now, look for the “System Properties” screen and click on it.
• After that turn on the “Protection Setting”.
• If the function is not enabled, select "Configure" and set up the security.
• Complete the steps by clicking on Apply here and then click on OK button.
• Now it will automatically create the system restore point.

Point 3- Create the Backup Registry

• First, go to the “Registry Editor” tab.
• Next, look at the folder tree in the left bar and click on the ‘Computer’ icon.
• Then, click on the “File” icon and next on the “Export” tab then click on the “Save” icon.

Solution to fix the QuickBooks Error Code 20 (Printer not activated)

Solution 1- Repair QuickBooks PDF component QBprint.qbp file

• In the first step, you need to go to the Windows Control Panel and then go to the Programs and Features tab.
• After that, you need to select QuickBooks accounting software from the list of installed programs.
• Now, you have to click on Change and then proceed with the repair process, you have to follow the instructions given till the end of the module.
• After the above step is completed, please ensure that the system restarts when the QuickBooks repair process is complete.
• After that, try to get a print, and verify if the error still occurs or not.

Solution 2- Verify the Default Email Program in Windows Registry

• In the first step, you need to click the Windows + R key together, and then type the command as Regedit, and press the OK option.
• After that, go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER -> Software -> Clients -> Mail.
• Next, check the default email name, if it is not the default program then click on the Default section and then type the name of the email program.
• In the final step, click on the OK button and then restart Windows.

Solution 3- Use QuickBooks Print & PDF Repair tool

• In the first step, you need to download QuickBooks PDF and Print Repair tool from the QuickBooks Tools Hub program and run it with admin access.
• After this, the application will run with red background and provide you the solution to the problem.
• After that, you have to make sure that the updated version of QuickBooks Accounting software is installed in the system and also make sure that the printer is properly connected to the QuickBooks Accounting software.
• Next, you need to reboot the system after running the tool.
• Make sure that other running applications are closed while running the tool.

Solution 4- MS Document Writer Windows Component Fixation

• In the first step, you need to right-click on the QuickBooks icon and then select the Open File Location tab and go to the temporary folder.
• After that, locate the exe file and double-click on it, and complete the installation and now navigate to the QuickBooks accounting software to register the license.
• Now, if there is an error while installing the ABS PDF drivers and/or it stops responding, try reinstalling them once.
• In the final step, when the installation process is complete, you have to get the print again and then confirm the QuickBooks error code.

Solution 5- Control Access for Software Folder in Windows Registry

• To start the process, go to the Start tab <=> then type Regedit and right click on the regedit icon. Now, click on the run as admin option.
• Now in the second step, go to HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG folder and then click on the SOFTWARE folder and click on Permissions.
• Now, you must verify Full Control for users.
• In this step, click OK and then close the Registry Editor.
• Complete the process by launching the QuickBooks accounting application and then try printing a PDF to testify if the error is not fixed.

Solution 6- Prevent UAC to Keep the Eye on the Application on Windows

• Click Windows + R key together and search for Control Panel inside the Run window and click on OK option.
• Now, click on User Accounts available in the Control Panel.
• Once the above steps are completed, now modify the User Access Control settings and move the slider to never notify again.
• Now click on OK option and reboot the system.

Solution 7- QuickBooks Desktop re-installation

• In the first step, you need to enter the Control Panel and then click on the Programs and Features and now locate the software.
• Now, you need the Uninstall option. Post that download the QuickBooks version compatible with your system.
• After that, make sure that the printer and program are working correctly.

Solution 8- Allowing the usage of PowerShell Script

• In the first step, click on the Start tab and type cmd.
• After that, by pressing the cmd option, select Run as an administrator.
• Next, type powershell in the command prompt and then click the Enter key.
• Now, to finish the process, please make sure to copy and paste the below code into the command.
• After this you will see that the registry has been updated and the error is resolved.

Solution 9- Printer Spooler Service Activation

• In the first step, press Windows + keys together and then type services.msc and click on OK option.
• Now, select the Print Spooler option and after that, right click on the Print Spooler and select the Stop option.
• Now, you have to click on the Start option, refer to the screenshot given below and check whether the error is resolved or not.

Conclusion

In this segment we learnt about the QuickBooks error code 20. Here we tried to discuss all details about the error code 20. 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!