How do I do this? Please make the parent product or service active first. Then you can make this sub-product or service active.

Thanks for getting in touch with the Community, gentlet.
 

You can reactivate your items from the Product and Services screen.
 

Here's how:

1. In your left navigation bar, go to Sales, then Products and services.
2. Use the Funnel drop-down menu and choose Inactive for your Status.
3. Click Apply.
4. Find the item you're looking for.
5. Select its Make active option in your ACTION column.
   

You'll also be able to find many detailed resources about using QuickBooks in our help article archives.
 

Please don't hesitate to send a reply if there's any questions. Have a great day!

When I do this step make active it comes up with the message to make the parent product or service active first.  Then you can make this sub-product active.  I do not know what the parent product was it won't let me open it.

Hello there, Fhogoboom58.

Let me share insights regarding the sub-accounts in the product and services in QuickBooks Online (QBO).

In the recent updates of QBO, the sub-account feature has been replaced as the category, thus the reason why you cannot reactivate a sub-account item. As a workaround, you can set your sub-account item as a main Product or Service item. 

Furthermore, you can use the Categorization feature to categorize the same type of items. You can follow the steps below to create a category. 

1. Go to the Gear Icon ⚙, then choose Products & services.
2. Click on More ▼, then Manage Categories.
3. Select New category, then type in the name of the category.
4. Once done, click Save.

You can also create sub-categories in your Products and Services. You can read this article to gain more understanding about it: Group products and services into different categories in QuickBooks Online. 

In addition, know how to see your best sellers, the cost of goods, and more of your product and services by generating a report status of your inventory: Use reports to see your sales and inventory status. 

If you need further assistance with your product and service items QuickBooks Online, kindly notify me by leaving a comment below. I’ll be happy to assist you at any time.