QB 2009 pro pdf converter error printer not activated error code 20

Which Windows OS do you run?

You've been excellently managing your QuickBooks Pro 2009 setup, Dave. The Printer not activated, error code -20 with the PDF converter can be a bit of a snag, and I appreciate you’re looking to take advantage of this feature now. I want to ensure I help find a solution that works for you.

We have several troubleshooting options to explore besides editing the registry because modifying it can be risky. Just a heads up, I encourage collaborating with an IT professional as you go through the steps.

First, try updating the Print Spooler service properties. The Print Spooler is a service that manages all print jobs sent to a printer or print server, and issues with it can affect any printer, including virtual PDF printers like the QuickBooks PDF Converter to generate PDF files from various documents within the software. You can follow these steps:

1. Right-click Start, select Run, then type Services.msc and select Ok.
2. Search for Print Spooler service.
3. Right-click on Print Spooler service and pick Properties. 
4. Go to Startup type, choose Automatic, then Apply, and then OK.
5. Right-click on Print Spooler service and hit start to start the service.

You can also try Step 3 of Solution 2 of this article to test if you can print to your XPS Document Writer.: Fix PDF and Print problems with QuickBooks Desktop.

Another potential solution is temporarily turning off User Account Control (UAC) to troubleshoot QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) issues. While UAC enhances security by protecting the system and limiting exposure, it allows administrators to run applications with elevated privileges when necessary. Follow these steps to change UAC settings in Windows 10:

1. On your keyboard, press Windows + R to open the Run window.
2. Type Control Panel. Then, OK.
3. Select User Accounts. Then, pick User Accounts (Classic View).
4. Choose Change user account control settings.
   • If you are prompted by UAC, Yes to continue.
5. Move the slider.
   • Set to Never Notify and select OK to turn UAC OFF.
   • Set to Always Notify and choose OK to turn UAC ON.
6. Restart the computer. Then, check to see if you can print.

After this, please know that while disabling UAC may help troubleshoot the problem, I recommend turning it back on to maintain computer security.

I cannot provide a specific name for the third-party PDF printer option, but you can work with your IT team to identify a suitable PDF printer. This can be the default option in the QuickBooks Print command when printing documents. The screenshot below is from QBDT 2023, but you should also be able to find the option to select the PDF printer you choose to install outside of QBDT.

For more information on completing specific accounting tasks or resolving issues with QBDT, click the links below to view full details:

• Online tutorials
• Self-help guide in QBDT

I hope the information provided helps you resolve the error and allows you to make the most of your QuickBooks Pro 2009. If you need further assistance or have additional questions, feel free to click the Reply button. We are dedicated to providing continuous support. Take care!

Thanks to the several who provided suggestions and replies, rather occupied lately but now reviewing - for starters:

--> Which Windows OS do you run? 

   HP Z420  Xeon E5-1620v2 @3.7GB 16.0GB 256GB SSD / 2TB HDD

Will look at each suggestion more closely and respond accordingly.

Thanks again.

Can you try this one?

To resolve the issue, search at the bottom of your Windows 10 screen for "run." Then ope the "Run App" that came up under your search and typed "optionalfeatures" into the Run App. A "Windows Features" window then open and scroll down to "Microsoft XPS Document Writer" and check the box next to it. I then pressed "OK". 

If the same problem persists, consider to upgrade your version to run on Win 10 (i.e QB Desktop 2016 or later)

Tried this - no full joy.

I did manage to get the QuickBooks PDF Converter and the Microsoft XPS Document Writer back as devices under devices & printers.

The MS XPS seems to at least create/save *.oxps docs (I think I remember MS some time back disabled or removed the ability to from windows10 the ability to actually directly view or edit these w/o 3rd apps) but does create them.

BUT, still get same error when trying the QB pdf converter.

I have d/l'd, installed, and run the QB tool hub app/routine for Program Problem - it appeared to run properly and apparently corrected some problems but there were some errors w/o notes or actions to take, then closed all and rebooted after this. At that point the device back in hardware & sound category/settings.

I did all this as admin account, tried setting QB converter as default printing device, no joy - same ultimate error.

Looking at the QB pdf converter settings right-click | about tab, no data in License fields (see attached)...  looking further, there are ?drivers for v ...x300 & x400 amyuni - neither version has data in the license fields.

I have not looked yet, but is there a feature on the original Install DVD (I have it) or another fix-it module to simple re-install the QB pdf converter w/o completely doing the install of the QB App? I will look, just curious as others may have similar ???'s.

Sorry such a PIA but this should be a testament to the value found in QB product insofar as reliability, durability and lifespan for the product, as since it fits our rather simple requirements we so not see forsee changing the app, we have over 10 years worth of data / bookkeeping in and hopefully will last into our retirement.

.

QBD 2009 doesn't support Win 10/11 natively. You can still run on it but may encounter minor (random) issues.

I didn't have the same issue as you because my "Save as PDF" would work if I ran QB as administrator.  However, your post helped me solve my problem.  The PDF print driver saves the file location to the registry and it requires the user to have full control of the key in order to write that location.

HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG\Software\QuickBooks PDF Converter

"Permissions..." -> verify the user running QB has full control

Thanks.

Resolving PDF Printing Errors - From QB