QuickBooks Error Code 20 Printer
Not Activated

When attempting to print or generate PDF files using QuickBooks Desktop, the message “Printer Not Activated,” commonly known as QuickBooks message Code 20, often appears. This message often indicates an issue with QuickBooks’ printer settings or PDF converter. Error Code 20 must be fixed using a methodical troubleshooting strategy. You may take the following actions to solve this problem:

1. Check Printer Settings: To begin, make sure that QuickBooks and your computer are configured to use the right printer as the default printer. To check QuickBooks’ printer settings:
   1. Launch QuickBooks and choose the File option.
   2. Click Printer Setup, then double-check that the correct printer is chosen.
   3. If the required printer is not shown, choose the appropriate printer from the drop-down menu by clicking it.
Ensure the printer is switched on and linked to your computer. You may also wish to see whether any error warnings about printers are shown on the printer itself or your computer’s printer management panel.

2. Update QuickBooks: Keeping QuickBooks current is important since updates often bring bug fixes and compatibility enhancements. To update QuickBooks, follow these steps: a. Click Update QuickBooks under the Help menu.
   1. Select the Update Now tab in the Update QuickBooks box.
   2. Select the Reset Update check box.
   3. To download and install the most recent updates, click the Get Updates icon.
   4. Restart QuickBooks when the update is finished, then try printing or creating PDF files again.

3. Reinstall QuickBooks PDF Converter: QuickBooks has a built-in component called QuickBooks PDF Converter that enables you to create PDF files directly from QuickBooks. This component may trigger Error Code 20 if it sustains damage or starts acting up. Frequently, the problem is fixed by reinstalling the PDF converter. Take these actions:
Closing QuickBooks and any associated processes is step one.
1. Start your computer’s Control Panel.
2. Select Programs > Programs and Features from the menu.
3. In the list of installed apps, find QuickBooks.
4. Uninstall/Change QuickBooks by using the right-click menu.
5. Click the Repair radio option in the QuickBooks Installation box.
6. To finish the repair procedure, adhere to the on-screen directions.
7. Restart your computer when the fix is complete, then try printing or creating PDF files again.

4. Verify Printer Compatibility and Permissions:
Check whether your printer has the right to print from QuickBooks. You may need to modify the security settings or look for the manufacturer’s instructions in the printer’s handbook. It’s also critical to guarantee that QuickBooks is compatible with the printer. To check if a printer is compatible, visit the Intuit website or get in touch with QuickBooks support.

5. Investigate the Windows Print Spooler Service: This program controls how your computer handles print jobs. Error Code 20 in QuickBooks, might result from this service not being active or having problems. To debug the Print Spooler service, adhere to the following steps:
   1. To launch the Run dialog, press the Windows key plus R on your keyboard.
   2. To open the Services window, enter “services. msc” and click Enter.
   3. Find the Print Spooler service by scrolling down.
   4. Restart the Print Spooler service by performing right-clicking on it.
   5. Close the Services window when the service has restarted, then attempt to print or create PDF files from QuickBooks again.

6. Verify that Windows and printer driver updates are available:

Error Code 20 might be triggered by an outdated operating system or printer driver interfering with QuickBooks. Make sure that your copy of Windows is up to date by Updating Windows, if necessary. Visit the printer manufacturer’s website and download the most recent printer driver for the particular model of printer you have. Before trying to print or create PDF files from QuickBooks once again, install the driver and restart your computer.

7. Repair the QuickBooks Installation: If none of the above solutions work, you may be able to correct any damaged or missing files by repairing the QuickBooks installation. To fix the QuickBooks installation, do these actions:

Closing QuickBooks and any associated processes is step one.

1. Start your computer’s Control Panel.
2. Select Programs > Programs and Features from the menu.
3. In the list of installed apps, find QuickBooks.
4. Uninstall/Change QuickBooks by using the right-click menu.
5. Click the Repair radio option in the QuickBooks Installation box.
6. To finish the repair procedure, adhere to the on-screen directions.
7. Restart your computer when the fix is complete, then try printing or creating PDF files again.

8. Run a Clean Install of QuickBooks: Running a Clean Install of QuickBooks will assist in removing any conflicting files or settings if all previous troubleshooting measures have failed to fix Error Code 20. To do a clean install, remove QuickBooks, rename or delete certain directories, and reinstall QuickBooks. For comprehensive directions on carrying out a clean install, it is advised to check the QuickBooks support website or get in touch with QuickBooks support.

9. Contact QuickBooks help: If none of those above fixes Error Code 20, it is advised to contact QuickBooks for help. They can identify and resolve complicated problems thanks to their specific expertise and equipment. When contacting support, be sure to be as specific as possible about the actions you’ve previously performed and any error messages you’ve seen.

It is crucial to remember that backing up your QuickBooks business file is advised before starting any troubleshooting actions to reduce the chance of data loss. For further advice and tips from other users who may have encountered the same situations, check out the QuickBooks user community forums and knowledge base. You should be able to resolve QuickBooks Error Code 20 and continue printing and creating PDF files from QuickBooks Desktop by carefully implementing the troubleshooting methods listed above.