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.