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How do I fix printer not activated error code -20 quickbooks?

Alton Alexander
By Alton AlexanderUpdated on June 4th, 2022

The printer not activated error code -20 is a QuickBooks error that can occur when trying to print, email, or save a document as a PDF. This error can be caused by a few different things, including:

-The QuickBooks PDF Converter is not properly installed

-There is an issue with the printer driver

-There are corrupt files in the QuickBooks installation

-There is a problem with the Windows registry

To fix this error, you will need to uninstall and reinstall the QuickBooks PDF Converter, install a new printer driver, or repair the QuickBooks installation. You may also need to clean up the Windows registry.

1. Check for updates to your printer's driver

  1. Open the "Printers" app on your computer.
  2. Click on the icon for your printer.
  3. On the "Printers" app window, click on the "Driver" tab.
  4. Select the "Update Driver" button.
  5. Click on the "Browse" button.
  6. Locate the driver file for your printer.
  7. Click on the "Open" button.
  8. Click on the "OK" button.
  9. Wait for the driver update to finish.
  10. Click on the "Close" button.
  11. Click on the "OK" button in the "Printers" app window.
  12. Check the "Printers" app window to see if the printer is now activated.

2. Make sure your QuickBooks software is up to date

  1. Open QuickBooks and select File > Accountants’ Preferences.
  2. In the Accountants’ Preferences dialog box, under General, click the Update QuickBooks button.
  3. In the Update QuickBooks dialog box, if there are any updates available, click the Update Now button.
  4. If there are no updates available, click the Close button.
  5. In the Update QuickBooks dialog box, click the OK button.
  6. In the Accountants’ Preferences dialog box, under General, click the Show Update Status button.
  7. In the Update Status dialog box, if the Update QuickBooks button is blue, the software is up to date. If the Update QuickBooks button is red, there are updates available and you should click the Update Now button.
  8. If there are updates available, in the Update Status dialog box, click the Update Now button.
  9. In the Update QuickBooks dialog box, if there are any updates available, click the Update Now button.
  10. If there are no updates available, in the Update QuickBooks dialog box, click the Close button.

Still not working? maybe try one of these options:

  1. Check your printer's connection to your computer.
  2. Try printing from a different program to see if the issue is with QuickBooks.
  3. Try printing to a different printer.
  4. Contact QuickBooks support for assistance.