QuickBooks is a popular accounting software that is used by many small and medium-sized businesses around the world.
It offers a variety of features and functionalities that can help entrepreneurs manage their finances more efficiently. However, like any other software, QuickBooks can also encounter some technical issues that can disrupt your workflow.
One such issue is the “printer not activated, error code 20” error that occurs on Windows 10 systems. This error can prevent users from printing invoices, receipts, and other documents, leading to delays and frustrations.
In this article, we will discuss the causes of this error and provide some possible solutions to resolve it.
Causes of QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20
If you have been using QuickBooks for a while, then you might have encountered the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20.
It is a common error that printer users face while using QuickBooks on their Windows 10 systems. This error code usually appears when users try to print their invoices or transactions in QB. In this article, we will discuss the causes of QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 and how you can resolve this error.
1. Improper Configuration of Print Spooler Service
The Print Spooler Service is a crucial component of the printing process as it manages the print jobs. When the Print Spooler Service is not configured correctly, it can cause errors like the QB Printer Not Activated Error Code 20. To resolve this issue, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Press Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type “services.msc” in the Run dialog box and press Enter. This will open the Services window.
Step 3: Find the Print Spooler Service from the list and right-click on it. Select Properties from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Select the Automatic option from the Startup type drop-down menu and click on Start if the service is not running.
Step 5: Click on Apply and then on OK to save the changes.
If you have applied these steps and the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 still persists, then proceed to the next cause.
2. Outdated QuickBooks Version
Using an outdated version of QuickBooks can cause several errors, including the QB Printer Not Activated Error Code 20. QB releases regular updates to address bugs and issues that may cause errors.
To resolve this issue, update your QuickBooks to the latest version. Follow the steps below to update QuickBooks:
Step 1: Open QuickBooks and click on Help from the menu bar.
Step 2: Select Update QuickBooks Desktop from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Click on the Update Now button in the window that appears.
Step 4: Wait for the update process to complete.
Step 5: Restart QuickBooks to apply the changes.
If the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 still persists, then proceed to the next cause.
3. Corrupted QuickBooks Components
Corrupted QuickBooks components can cause several errors, including QB Printer Not Activated Error Code 20. To resolve this issue, you need to repair the QuickBooks components. Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Press Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type “appwiz.cpl” in the Run dialog box and press Enter. This will open the Programs and Features window.
Step 3: Find QuickBooks from the list and right-click on it. Select Repair from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to repair QuickBooks components.
Step 5: Restart your system to apply the changes.
If you have applied these steps and the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 still persists, then proceed to the next cause.
4. The Printer Driver is Not Compatible with QuickBooks
Using a printer driver that is not compatible with QuickBooks can cause several errors, including the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20.
To resolve this issue, you need to update or reinstall the printer driver. Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Press Windows + R keys together and type “devmgmt.msc” in the Run dialog box. Press Enter. This will open the Device Manager window.
Step 2: Expand the Printers section in the Device Manager window.
Step 3: Right-click on your printer and select Update Driver from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.
Step 5: If updating the driver does not resolve the issue, uninstall and reinstall the printer driver.
If you have applied these steps and the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 still persists, then proceed to the final cause.
5. Firewall/Antivirus Conflicts
Firewall/Antivirus conflicts can cause several errors, including the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20.
To resolve this issue, you need to configure your Firewall/Antivirus settings to allow QuickBooks to run. Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Press Windows + R keys together to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type “firewall.cpl” in the Run dialog box and press Enter. This will open the Windows Firewall window.
Step 3: Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall from the left pane.
Step 4: Click on the Change settings button and then select Yes if prompted by a User Account Control dialog box.
Step 5: Find QuickBooks in the list and check all the boxes under the Home/Work and Public sections.
Step 6: Click on OK to save the changes.
If you have applied these steps and the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 still persists, then it’s time to seek professional help.
In conclusion, the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 is a common error that can be caused by various factors.
The above-listed causes are the most common reasons for this error, and the steps provided can help you fix the issue. However, if the issue persists, it is best to seek professional help from a certified QuickBooks expert.
Troubleshooting QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20
QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 is a common issue encountered by QuickBooks users, especially those who have recently updated their systems to Windows 10.
This error usually occurs when trying to print invoices, receipts, or other forms using QuickBooks, and it can be quite frustrating.
If you’re facing this issue, don’t worry, as there are several troubleshooting methods you can try to resolve the error.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most effective solutions to fix QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 in Windows 10.
Method 1: Update QuickBooks
The first thing you should do when encountering this error is to make sure that you’re running the latest version of QuickBooks.
Check for updates by clicking on the Help menu in QuickBooks and selecting “Update QuickBooks.” If there are any available updates, download and install them. After updating, restart your computer and try printing again.
Method 2: Check Printer Preferences
Another reason for QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 could be incorrect printer preferences. To check your printer preferences, follow these steps:
- Go to the Start menu and open the Control Panel.
- Select “Devices and Printers.”
- Right-click on your printer and select “Printer Properties.”
- Click on the “Advanced” tab and make sure that the checkbox next to “Print directly to printer” is selected.
- Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
- Restart your computer and try printing again.
If this method does not work, move on to the next one.
Method 3: Reinstall the Printer Driver
If updating QuickBooks and checking printer preferences did not solve the issue, try reinstalling the printer driver. Follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key and the R key together to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “devmgmt.msc” and click “OK” to open the Device Manager.
- Expand the “Print queues” section and right-click on your printer.
- Select “Uninstall device” and confirm the action.
- Once the printer driver is uninstalled, restart your computer.
- Visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest printer driver for your model.
- Reinstall the printer driver and restart your computer.
If you’re still experiencing QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20, try the next method.
Method 4: Check the Compatibility of the Printer Driver
If the printer driver is not compatible with Windows 10, it could cause the Error Code 20 issue.
To check the compatibility of your printer driver, visit the manufacturer’s website and look for a compatible driver for Windows 10. Install the updated driver and try printing again.
Method 5: Run QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool
QuickBooks has a built-in tool called QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair tool that can help fix printing issues like QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20. To run this tool, follow these steps:
- Close QuickBooks and all other running programs.
- Download QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool from the official Intuit website.
- Install the tool and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your computer and try printing again.
If none of these methods work, you may need to contact QuickBooks support or a local technician to resolve the issue.
QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 can be frustrating, but there are several troubleshooting methods available to resolve the issue.
Start by updating QuickBooks and checking printer preferences, and if that doesn’t work, move on to reinstalling the printer driver, checking the compatibility of the driver, and running the QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool.
With a little patience and persistence, you can easily fix the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 on your Windows 10 system.
How to Fix QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 on Windows 10
If you are using QuickBooks on Windows 10 and are experiencing printer issues with error code 20, then you are not alone.
Many QuickBooks users have reported encountering this issue, which prevents them from printing invoices, receipts, and other important documents.
Fortunately, there are several ways to fix QuickBooks printer not activated error code 20, and here are some of the solutions that you can try:
1. Check if the Printer is Set as the Default Printer
The first thing you need to do is to ensure that the printer you want to print from is set as the default printer in Windows 10. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box
- Type “control” and hit Enter to open the Control Panel
- Select “Devices and Printers”
- Right-click on the printer you want to print from and select “Set as default printer”
After setting the printer as the default printer, restart QuickBooks and try to print again to see if the error code 20 has been resolved.
2. Update the Printer Driver
If the printer driver is outdated, corrupted, or incompatible with your Windows 10 system, you may encounter QuickBooks printer not activated error code 20. To update the printer driver, follow the steps below:
- Open the Run box by pressing the Windows key + R
- Type “devmgmt.msc” and hit Enter to open the Device Manager
- Expand “Printers”
- Right-click on the printer you want to update the driver for and select “Update driver”
- Follow the instructions to complete the driver update process
After updating the printer driver, restart QuickBooks and try to print again to see if the error code 20 has been resolved.
3. Reset the Print Spooler Service
If the print spooler service is not running or is experiencing issues, you may encounter the QuickBooks printer not activated error code 20. To reset the print spooler service, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box
- Type “services.msc” and hit Enter to open the Services window
- Scroll down and find “Print Spooler” in the list of services
- Right-click on “Print Spooler” and select “Stop”
- Open the Run box again and type “%windir%\System32\spool\printers” and hit Enter
- Delete all files in the “printers” folder
- Go back to the Services window, right-click on “Print Spooler” and select “Start”
After resetting the print spooler service, restart QuickBooks and try to print again to see if the error code 20 has been resolved.
QuickBooks printer not activated error code 20 can be a frustrating issue to deal with, but with the solutions listed above, you should be able to resolve the issue quickly and get back to printing your important documents in no time.
However, if you still encounter the error code 20 after trying these solutions, you may need to seek further assistance from QuickBooks support or a professional technician.
QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 on Network Printer
QuickBooks is a popular accounting software that helps businesses manage their finances and track their expenses with ease.
However, like any other software, QuickBooks is not immune to errors. One of the common errors QuickBooks users face is the Printer Not Activated Error Code 20.
This error can be frustrating and prevent users from printing their invoices, checks, or other documents directly from QuickBooks. In this article, we’ll explore the Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 on a network printer and how to resolve it.
What causes the Printer Not Activated Error Code 20?
The Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 on a network printer occurs when there is a miscommunication between QuickBooks and the printer. This error can be caused by several factors, including:
- Outdated printer driver
- Incorrect installation of the printer driver
- Windows registry errors
- Permissions issue with the printer
- Compatibility issue between QuickBooks and the printer driver
How to resolve the Printer Not Activated Error Code 20
Here are some solutions to fix the Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 on a network printer:
Update the printer driver
The Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 can be caused by an outdated printer driver. To update the printer driver:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box
- Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter
- Expand Print queues
- Right-click on the printer and select Update driver
- Restart your computer
Reinstall the printer driver
Incorrect installation of the printer driver can cause the Printer Not Activated Error Code 20. To reinstall the printer driver:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box
- Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter
- Select the printer driver and click Uninstall
- Visit the printer manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver
- Install the latest printer driver and restart your computer
Check Windows registry errors
Invalid Windows registry entries can cause the Printer Not Activated Error Code 20. To check Windows registry errors:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box
- Type regedit and press Enter
- Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG\Software
- Right-click on the Software folder and select Permissions
- Select the Everyone user group and grant Full Control permission
- Restart your computer
Check printer permissions
Permissions issue with the printer can cause the Printer Not Activated Error Code 20. To check printer permissions:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box
- Type control printers and press Enter
- Right-click on the printer and select Printer properties
- Navigate to the Security tab
- Select the user you are using to operate QuickBooks and grant them print permissions
- Restart your computer
Check compatibility between QuickBooks and the printer driver
Compatibility issues between QuickBooks and the printer driver can cause the Printer Not Activated Error Code 20. To check the compatibility:
- Visit the QuickBooks website to check the printer compatibility
- If the printer driver is not compatible, visit the printer manufacturer’s website to download the compatible driver
- Install the compatible driver and restart your computer
the Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 on a network printer can be frustrating, but it is fixable.
By updating or reinstalling the printer driver, checking Windows registry errors, printer permissions, or QuickBooks compatibility with the printer driver, you can resolve the error and start printing your documents from QuickBooks without any issues.
Benefits of Resolving QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20
QuickBooks is widely used accounting software designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses.
It is equipped with features that make it easier for users to manage their finances and streamline operations. However, like any other software application, QuickBooks is not without its issues.
One of the most common errors that users encounter is the QuickBooks printer not activated error code 20. This error usually appears when users try to print invoices, reports, or checks from QuickBooks.
It can be frustrating, especially if you need to print something urgently.
The good news is that this error can be easily fixed. Resolving the QuickBooks printer not activated error code 20 provides several benefits that can help you avoid further issues in the future.
Here are the benefits of resolving the QuickBooks printer not activated error code 20:
1. Saves Time and Increases Efficiency
When you encounter the QuickBooks printer not activated error code 20, you may find yourself spending hours trying to figure out what went wrong.
This can take up valuable time that you could have used for other important tasks. Resolving the error will help save time and increase efficiency in your work.
Once the error is fixed, you can easily print any document from QuickBooks without encountering any problems.
2. Eliminates the Need for Costly Workarounds
When you encounter the QuickBooks printer not activated error code 20, you may resort to using costly workarounds to get your documents printed.
For instance, you may choose to print the document to PDF and then print it from another application. This can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you have to do it frequently.
Resolving the error will eliminate the need for such expensive workarounds, helping you save money in the long run.
3. Improves User Experience
The QuickBooks printer not activated error code 20 can be frustrating to deal with, especially if you have to print a document urgently.
Moreover, it can interrupt your workflow, causing you to lose your focus. Resolving the error will improve your user experience, helping you work without any interruptions. Additionally, it will help you maintain your focus on the task at hand.
4. Ensures Data Integrity
When you encounter the QuickBooks printer not activated error code 20, there is a risk of losing your data. You may lose crucial information related to your business that you cannot afford to lose.
Resolving the error will ensure data integrity, helping you protect your business data from any kind of loss. It will also help you store your documents securely and access them anytime you need them.
5. Increases Productivity
The QuickBooks printer not activated error code 20 can significantly affect your productivity. It can interrupt your workflow and cause delays, making it difficult for you to achieve your goals.
Resolving the error will increase your productivity by helping you complete your tasks efficiently and effectively. You can print your documents without any delays or interruptions, helping you work faster and accomplish more.
resolving the QuickBooks printer not activated error code 20 provides several benefits that can help you manage your finances and streamline your operations.
It will help you save time, eliminate the need for expensive workarounds, improve user experience, ensure data integrity, and increase productivity. If you encounter this error, it is recommended that you fix it as soon as possible to avoid any further issues.