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Fix printer not activated or a print window hangs error in QuickBooks

by johnlevi

Are you annoyed by Printer Not Activated Error Code 20 in QuickBooks and want to resolve the same as soon as possible? You are at the right place as this article shall apprise you with all the relevant information you need to fix the QuickBooks desktop error 20.

Error code 20 is experienced by users while upgrading their operating system from Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7. The upgraded operating system prevents the use of the ‘HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG\Software’ key in the settings of the Windows registry. Let us visit the causes leading to this error. In the subsequent sections of this article, we shall go through several methods for fixing the Error code-20 within minutes.

 

What triggers ‘Error 20 -Printer not activated’ in QuickBooks?

Several factors may incite the Printer Not Activated Error code 20 in QuickBooks. The error may erupt as a result of the following causes:

  • QuickBooks PDF converter not appropriately configured.
  • Incompatible QuickBooks desktop software on your Operating system.
  • Out-to-date Windows.
  • QuickBooks software is not updated.
  • Some issues are associated with your Windows registry.
  • Incomplete QuickBooks Desktop installation.
  • Besides these causes, there may be other causes that may lead to Error Code 20. However, the reasons mentioned above are the most prominent ones.
  • Let us now jump to the troubleshooting methods of rectifying the Error Code 20.

 

How to Resolve the QuickBooks Printer Not Activated Error Code 20?

Below are mentioned viable methods for fixing the ‘Printer not Activated Error Code 20’ in QuickBooks. Scroll through each of these methods very keenly and if the particular way does not work out, jump to the subsequent procedure for resolving the issue.

Method 1: Terminate UAC from Monitoring Application.

  • Press the ‘Win+R’ keys together. This shall open the run window.
  • Type’ Control Panel’ in the Run Window.
  • Then head to ‘User Accounts.’
  • Choose ‘Change User Access Control.’
  • Head to ‘Never to Notify.’

  • Click on ‘OK.’
  • Once done, reboot your system and check if the error 20 is resolved. If not, proceed to the following method.

 

Method 2: Remove the files named ‘qbprint.qbp’ & ‘wpr.ini’ files from QB installation folder.

  • Go to the ‘C:\ProgramData \Intuit \ QuickBooks’ folder in Windows File Manager.
  • Right-click the ‘qbprint.qbp’ & ‘wpr.ini’ files in the QB folder and click on ‘Delete.’
  • Also, delete ‘qbprint.qbp’ and ‘wpr.ini’ from ‘C:\Users \All Users \Intuit \ QuickBooks’ Folder.
  • Check if the Error Code 20 got resolved. If not, jump to the next method.

 

Method 3: Run QuickBooks Print & PDF Repair Tool

To fix the Error Code 20, follow the steps given below:

  • Download and Install the QuickBooks PDF and Print Repair tool from the QuickBooks tool hub
  • Once installed, run the utility in admin mode.
  • The application will start working and may take time to detect any error(s).
  • Make sure that your printer can print through the QuickBooks software.
  • Once the process culminates, restart your system.
  • Open QB Software and check if you got rid of the error successfully. If not, jump to the following method.

 

Method 4: In the Windows Registry, check for Default Email Program

  • Press the ‘Win + R’ keys simultaneously to open the Run Window.
  • ‘Regedit’ is the command to type in the Run Window.
  • Next, select OK.
  • Right-click the ‘Regedit’ icon and select ‘Run as administrator.’

  • Head to ‘HKEY_CURRENT_USER’ and then go to ‘Software,’ followed by ‘Clients’ and finally to ‘Mail.’
  • On the left side of the screen, check the default email name. If you don’t want to use the default email program, double-click the Default area and type the name of your preferred email application.

  • Choose ‘OK.’
  • Restart your system and check if the problem got resolved.

 

Method 5: Activation of Windows Print Spooler Service

To start the Windows Print Spooler Service, follow the directions given in the following lines:

  • Press the ‘Win + R’ keys simultaneously.
  • This shall open the Run window.
  • In the type services.MSc in text space. Then, press the Enter key.

  • Now, search for the Print Spooler service in the services list.
  • Right-click on it and choose the Start option.

  • Try printing some documents using the QB Desktop software.
  • Check if the error code 20 got resolved. If not, there is no need to feel bothered. Just follow the directions given in the next method.

 

Method 6: Reinstall QB using the QB Clean Install Tool

Follow the walkthrough given below:

  • Type’ Control Panel’ in the search bar in the start menu.
  • Double-click on the ‘Control Panel.’
  • Head to ‘Programs and Features.’
  • Locate ‘QuickBooks Desktop’ in the list of programs.
  • Once identified, choose the ‘Uninstall/Change’ option.’
  • Click on ‘Uninstall.’
  • Wait for the installation to conclude.
  • Now, open QuickBooks Tool Hub and head to ‘Program Installation Problems.’
  • Subsequently, open the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool.
  • From the tool, go for a clean installation of QuickBooks Desktop.
  • Now check if the error 20 got sorted out.

 

Method 7: In the Windows Registry, allow complete control of the software folder

To set complete control for the ‘Software’ folder, follow the directions that are mentioned below:

  • Press the’ Win+R’ keys together to open the Run Window.
  • In the window, type ‘Regedit.’
  • This shall open the Registry Editor.
  • Navigate to the ‘HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG’ folder within the registry editor and right-click on it.
  • Next, go to Permissions and then Full Control for Users.

  • Close the Registry Editor by clicking OK.
  • Open the QuickBooks application and try to print a PDF. Check if the issue got sorted out.

 

This article enclosed all the necessary information you need for resolving the ‘Printer Not Activated Error-20 in QuickBooks. If you face any problems while implementing the steps mentioned above, contact our QuickBooks enterprise technical support team to resolve your queries.

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