Trying to add payroll license key from disc to a downloaded version and I cannot find where to enter the number. Found Manage Payroll Service but doesn't like the new #?

You came to the right place to help you with your payroll key activation, @bwisnoski-consol,

If you're using the Disk Delivery Payroll, you can enter the Service Key manually under the Employees menu. This type of payroll does not require internet connection, if it was previously enabled on the same company file, you will need to remove the old key and re-enter it to refresh everything. I've added the steps and screenshots below to guide you through the process:

1. If you already enabled this before on the same company file, go to the Employees tab and select My Payroll Service.
2. Pick Manage Service Key from the list.
   
3. In the Status column, verify if you see QuickBooks Enhanced Payroll Disk Delivery.
4. If you do, click the Remove button below.
   
5. Click Yes to confirm the action.
6. Once done, click Add.
7. On the QuickBooks Service Sign-Up page, enter the 16-digit Service Key found on the disc.
   
8. Click Next, add the 12-digit Disk Delivery Key after.
   
9. Hit Finish after.
   
10. The status should say Active this time. See this sample screenshot:
    

If you don't have this option, go to the Employees menu and choose Payroll from the drop-down. Click the option saying Enter Payroll Service Key. You can also use the keyboard shortcut  CTRL + K to open the service key page.

I'm also adding this link for your reference of the process: Enter your payroll service or disk delivery key.

To avoid any issues during the Service Key activation, make sure your QuickBooks software is updated to the latest release. Doing so, requires connecting to the internet to ensure all critical fixes and update patches are installed properly.

Let me know how you get on after doing the steps. I want to make sure you're able do it successfully and I'll be right here if you need further assistance. Have a lovely day!

Thanks Jen_D for the suggestions but after going to Manage Service Key, I see "Quickbooks Enhanced Payroll - Expired".  When I try to remove this to enter the newly purchased version I get the message, QB detects that I have an active Direct Deposit and that I most contact QB to complete the upgrade.  Unfortunately, my work prevents me from doing this during their limited COVID-19 hours that both calling and chatting are observing.  Is there anyway that I can disable the direct deposit and re-enable it after the upgrade?  I don't really use it right now anyway.  It appears that I can't even calculate the taxes and hand write a check while this service is expired, is that correct?  One more note, the new disc code is 6 numbers split with a dash.

Thanks Jen_D for the suggestions but after going to Manage Service Key, I see "Quickbooks Enhanced Payroll - Expired".  When I try to remove this to enter the newly purchased version I get the message, QB detects that I have an active Direct Deposit and that I most contact QB to complete the upgrade.  Unfortunately, my work hours during the week prevents me from doing this during QB's limited COVID-19 hours that both calling and chatting are observing.  Is there anyway that I can disable the direct deposit and re-enable it after the upgrade?  I don't really use it right now anyway.  It appears that I can't even calculate the taxes and hand write a check while this service is expired, is that correct?  One more note, the new disc code is 6 numbers split with a dash.

Hi there, @bwisnoski-consol.

Let me step in and help you with your concern.

You can contact our QuickBooks Support so that they can pull up your account in a safe environment and assist you on how to disable your Direct Deposit. This way, you can proceed with adding your payroll license key.

You can follow these steps on how to contact our QuickBooks Support:

1. Go to the Help menu.
2. Choose the QuickBooks Desktop Help tab.
3. Enter your concern.
4. Click the Contact Us button.
5. Select Continue.
6. Choose either Start messaging or Get a callback.
7. Fill up all the information needed.
8. Click Submit or Confirm my call.

Please know that if you're using QuickBooks Pro, Premier, or Plus, the support hours are from 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Then 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Saturday. Also, the same support hours if you're using QuickBooks Basic, Enhanced, or Standard Payroll. And, if you're using the Enterprise or Assisted Payroll version, you can contact us any time on any day.

I also added an article that helps you how to set up and start using your new payroll: Get started with Payroll.

Please know that I'm always around here in the Community to help. Keep safe, and have a great day.

I am trying to activate my payroll but cannot find a service key

Thanks for joining us today, @18001. I'm here to help make sure that you can get your payroll service key.

You can follow the steps shared by my colleague Jen_D on how to locate your payroll service key. If the steps above won't work, we can use the Automated Service Key/Disk Delivery Key Tool to get the payroll service key. We just need to log in to your Intuit account. Once we have the service key, we can now enter it in QuickBooks. 

Here's how to enter the 16 digits key:

1. Log in to your QuickBooks Desktop company file.
2. From the Employees menu, choose Payroll > Enter Payroll Service Key. 
3. Click the Add button.
4. Enter the Payroll Service key and click Next. 
5. Type the Disk Delivery Key. 
6. Click Finish once done. 

For more detail about your payroll service, you can check out this article: Activate QuickBooks Desktop Payroll.

Also, ensure that you have the latest QuickBooks Desktop release and downloaded the latest tax table release, so you always have the latest features and fixes.

I'm adding some articles that you can use to fix issues related to the payroll subscription:

• Resolve a problem verifying your payroll subscription
• Troubleshoot Payroll Service Server Error or Payroll Connection Error
• Add an EIN to existing Payroll Subscription

Please know that you're always welcome to post if you have any other concerns. I'm always here to help. Have a great day, @18001.