Have you encountered a frustrating error message when trying to print a document on your Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 computer? It’s the dreaded “printer not activated error code -30”, and it can be a real headache to deal with.
This error message typically appears when you try to print a document from within a program, such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Reader. While there are many possible causes for this error, it is most commonly caused by a problem with the printer driver or the software that controls your printer.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the causes of this error and how you can fix it to get back to printing your documents with ease.
Definition: Error: “Printer not activated error code -30” on Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 computer
One of the most common issues faced by Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 users while printing documents is the error message: “Printer not activated error code -30.”
This error code is often accompanied by a message stating that the user needs to “run as administrator” or that they do not have sufficient privileges to perform the action.
The printer not activated error code -30 is an error that can occur while trying to print a document or attempting to save a file as a PDF.
The error code -30 indicates that there is a problem with the communication between the printer and the computer, usually due to some corrupted system files or incompatible drivers.
There are various reasons why this error can occur while trying to print a document, such as printer driver issues, malfunctioning printer cables, or incorrect printer settings. It can also happen when trying to save a file to PDF, despite the printer being set as the default, causing the system to crash.
This error can be quite frustrating, especially if you have to print an essential document. Nevertheless, there are several ways to fix the printer not activated error code -30 on Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 computer, as discussed below:
Causes of Printer not Activated Error Code -30 on Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 Computers
If you’re trying to print a document or an image on your Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 computer, and you receive an error message saying “Printer not activated error code -30,” you’re not alone. This error can be frustrating, especially when you’re on a tight deadline.
Fortunately, this error is not complicated, and it can be fixed with some simple troubleshooting. There are a few reasons why you might experience this error. We’ve listed the most common ones below:
1. The Printer is Not Set as the Default Printer
One of the reasons why the printer not activated error code -30 shows up is if the printer you’re trying to use is not set as the default printer. If you have multiple printers installed on your computer, Windows will choose one as the default printer.
If the printer you’re trying to use is not set as the default printer, this error will show up. To fix this, you will need to set the printer as the default printer.
2. Incompatible Printer Driver
The second reason why you might experience the printer not activated error code -30 is if your printer driver is not compatible with your Windows version. Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 have different printer drivers, and if you’re using an old printer, the driver might not be compatible with your Windows version.
If this is the case, you’ll need to update your printer driver or get a new printer that is compatible with your Windows version.
Updating your printer driver is easy. You can go to your printer manufacturer’s website and search for the latest driver version. Once you find the right driver, download and install it on your computer. This should fix the printer not activated error code -30.
3. Corrupted Printer Software
Another reason why you might experience the printer not activated error code -30 is if your printer software is corrupted. Printer software can get corrupted due to various reasons, such as malware infection, power surges, or incomplete installation.
If your printer software is corrupted, you’ll need to reinstall it. You can do this by following the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to install the printer software. Make sure you download the latest version of the software for your printer model and your Windows version.
After reinstalling the printer software, try printing your document or image again to see if the printer not activated error code -30 is fixed.
4. Incorrect Printer Settings
Incorrect printer settings can also cause the printer not activated error code -30. If your printer settings are not set correctly, Windows will not be able to communicate with your printer.
Some printer settings that can cause this error are incorrect print spooler settings, wrong paper size settings, or incorrect ink cartridges. To fix this, you need to go to your printer settings and make sure everything is set correctly. You can also try resetting your printer settings to the default settings.
5. Malware Infection
Malware infection can cause all kinds of problems on your computer, including the printer not activated error code -30. Malware can interfere with your printer settings, corrupt your printer software, or damage your printer driver.
If you suspect that your computer is infected with malware, you should run a malware scan. You can use Windows Defender or any other antivirus software to scan your computer. If malware is found, clean your computer and try to print the document or image again.
the printer not activated error code -30 can be fixed with some simple troubleshooting. The most common causes of this error are incorrect printer settings, corrupted printer software, incompatible printer driver, malware infection, and the printer is not set as the default printer.
Try the solutions we’ve listed above, and if none of them work, contact your printer manufacturer’s customer support for further assistance.
Troubleshooting steps to fix printer not activated error code -30 on windows 8, 8.1, or 10 computers
While using a printer on a windows 8, 8.1, or 10 computer, many users have encountered an error message that says “printer not activated error code -30.”
This error message can be frustrating and can prevent users from printing documents. However, there are several troubleshooting steps that users can take to fix this error. In this article, we’ll discuss some of these troubleshooting steps in detail.
Step 1: Check Printer Connections
The first step to fixing the “printer not activated error code -30” is to check the connections between the printer and the computer.
This step includes checking the physical connections, such as USB cables or network cables, as well as the wireless connections, if the printer is a wireless printer. Users should also make sure that the printer is turned on and is properly connected to a power source.
Step 2: Restart the Printer
If the printer is properly connected to the computer, but users are still encountering the error code -30, the next step is to restart the printer.
Users should turn off the printer by unplugging it from the power source, waiting for a few seconds, and then plugging it back in. After plugging the printer back in, users should turn it on and try to print again to see if the error message has been resolved.
Step 3: Reinstall Printer Drivers
If the previous steps did not help resolve the “printer not activated error code -30,” the next step is to reinstall the printer drivers on the computer. Sometimes, the drivers can become corrupt or outdated, leading to errors such as this one.
To reinstall the printer drivers, users should go to the “Device Manager” on their computer. Once there, they should find the printer under the “Printers” section, right-click on it, and select “uninstall.”
After uninstalling the printer, users should download the latest printer drivers from the manufacturer’s website and install them on their computer. This step should ensure that the printer drivers are up-to-date and free of any errors that may be causing the “printer not activated error code -30.”
Step 4: Restart Print Spooler Service
If users have reinstalled the printer drivers and are still encountering the error code -30, the next step is to restart the print spooler service on their computer.
The print spooler is a service that manages all print jobs that are sent to the printer. If the print spooler service is not running correctly, it can cause errors such as this one.
To restart the print spooler service, users should first open the “Services” window on their computer. Once there, they should find the “Print Spooler” service, right-click on it and select “restart.”
Step 5: Perform a System Restore
If none of the previous steps have resolved the “printer not activated error code -30,” users can try performing a system restore on their computer. This step will restore the computer to a previous point in time, before the error started occurring.
However, users should proceed with caution when performing a system restore, as it can cause data loss or other issues if not done correctly.
To perform a system restore, users should go to the “System Restore” option in the “Control Panel” on their computer. Once there, they should select a restore point that predates the error message and follow the prompts to restore the computer to that point.
The “printer not activated error code -30” can be a frustrating error message for users trying to print documents on a windows 8, 8.1, or 10 computer.
However, by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, users can fix this error message in most cases. Whether it is checking connections, reinstalling printer drivers, or performing a system restore, there are solutions available to users to resolve this issue.
Additional Tips to Solve Printer Not Activated Error Code -30 on Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 Computers
So, you’ve tried all the basic troubleshooting steps and still can’t seem to get rid of the error message “printer not activated error code -30” on your Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 computer. Don’t fret just yet, as there are still some additional tips that you can try in order to fix the issue. Here are some of them:
1. Reinstall the Printer Software
If the error message keeps popping up despite your best efforts, try uninstalling and then reinstalling the printer software. This often does the trick, particularly if the problem was caused by a corrupted or outdated driver.
To do this, go to your Windows Control Panel, click on ‘Devices and Printers’, right-click on the printer you’re having troubles with, and select ‘Remove Device’. Once you’ve removed the device, restart your computer and reinstall the printer software.
This can be done by downloading the latest driver software from the manufacturer’s website or by using the original installation disc that came with your printer.
2. Check your Printer Properties
If you’re still getting the error message after reinstalling the printer software, check your Printer Properties by going to ‘Devices and Printers’ in your Windows Control Panel.
Right-click on the printer in question, select ‘Printer Properties’, and click on the ‘Advanced’ tab. Ensure that the ‘Print Directly to Printer’ option is selected. This helps to bypass any potential issues with the print spooler service that might be causing the error to occur.
3. Use the Troubleshooter
If you’re still stuck with the error message, try using the Windows Printer Troubleshooter. This can help you to identify and resolve any issues that are preventing your printer from functioning correctly.
To access this tool, go to your Windows Control Panel, click on ‘Troubleshooting’, and select ‘Hardware and Sound’. From there, click on ‘Printer’ and follow the instructions provided.
4. Update Windows
Windows updates often contain patches for printer-related issues that could be causing the error code -30 to appear. Make sure that you’ve downloaded and installed all the available updates for your Windows operating system. To do this, go to ‘Settings’, click on ‘Update & Security’, and select ‘Windows Update’.
If all else fails, it might be time to call in a professional. A qualified technician should be able to diagnose the issue and fix it with minimal fuss. Don’t let the error code -30 get you down – there’s always a solution!
How to prevent printer not activated error code -30 on windows 8, 8.1, or 10 computers
Printer not activated error code -30 is a common issue faced by many Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 users. This error occurs when trying to print a document from an application or software. It is a frustrating problem, but fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent it from happening.
In this article, we will discuss the various ways to avoid printer not activated error code -30 on Windows computers.
Ensure that Your Printer Is Set as the Default Printer
One of the most common reasons why printer not activated error code -30 occurs is because the wrong printer is selected as the default printer.
Make sure that your printer is the default printer on your device. To do this, go to the start menu, click on “Devices and Printers,” right-click your printer, and select “Set as default printer.”
Update Your System Drivers
If your system drivers are outdated, this could be causing the printer not activated error code -30 on your computer.
Make sure that your operating system and printer drivers are up to date. To check for updates, go to the start menu, and click on “Settings.” From there, navigate to “Update & Security” and click on “Check for updates.”
Ensure That the Print Spooler Is Running
The print spooler is a service that manages all print jobs. If the print spooler is not running, it can cause printer not activated error code -30.
To check if the print spooler is running, go to the start menu, type “services.msc,” and press enter. Scroll down to the “Print Spooler” service, right-click it, and select “Start.”
Disable Your Antivirus Temporarily
Antivirus software is designed to protect your computer from malware and viruses. However, in some cases, antivirus software can interfere with the installation and operation of printers.
To see if your antivirus software is causing printer not activated error code -30, try disabling it temporarily and see if the problem persists. If the error message disappears after disabling your antivirus software, you may need to configure your antivirus settings to allow your printer to run without interruption.
Check Hardware Connections and Settings
If none of the previous solutions work, it could be a hardware problem. Check if your printer is properly connected to your computer, and that all cables are plugged in securely.
If the issue persists, check your printer settings, and make sure they are set up correctly. Consult the printer manufacturer’s manual for further guidance on hardware-related issues.
In conclusion, printer not activated error code -30 can be caused by a variety of issues, including wrong printer selection, outdated system drivers, malfunctioning print spooler, antivirus interference, or hardware problems.
By following the above steps, you can help prevent this issue from occurring and get back to printing documents as soon as possible.