Printer not activated, error code -20 (PDF converter)
The virtual PDF printer used by accounting and business software refused to activate, typically after an upgrade left an old driver version in place. Unlike -30 it points less at user permissions and more at a version mismatch between the application and the installed converter. PDF creation, emailing invoices and statement exports stop working while normal printing continues.
What causes it
- An application upgrade expects a newer converter version than the one installed
- Two versions of the PDF converter are registered at once
- The driver was removed by cleanup software but its registry entries remain
- A Windows update reset permissions on the driver's keys
- The install was performed under a different account from the one now in use
How to fix it, in order
Work down the list and stop when the printer recovers. The steps are ordered from most likely and least invasive to last resort.
Update the application itself
Install the latest release of the accounting software, since it ships a matching version of the PDF converter. Upgrading the application is usually the intended fix for a version mismatch and avoids hand-editing anything. Restart Windows afterwards.
Run the vendor's PDF repair tool
Most suites include a tool that reinstalls the PDF and print components. Run it with the application closed and, if offered, choose the option to reinstall rather than merely verify. This rewrites both the driver files and the registry entries.
Remove duplicate converter queues
Open Settings › Bluetooth & devices › Printers & scanners and delete every copy of the PDF converter, including any suffixed duplicates. Then remove its driver package from printmanagement.msc › Print Servers › your computer › Drivers, restart, and reinstall via the vendor's tool.
Launch the application elevated once
Right-click the program shortcut and choose Run as administrator, then perform one PDF export. The activation routine sometimes needs elevated rights on first run and then works normally afterwards.
Restart the Print Spooler and clear the queue
Press Windows+R, type services.msc, press Enter, stop Print Spooler, delete the contents of C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS, then start it again. A wedged spooler causes activation calls to fail with no useful detail.
Test in a fresh Windows profile
Create a new local administrator account in Settings › Accounts › Other users and repeat the export there. Success in the new profile confirms a damaged printer section in the original profile, which is often quicker to abandon than to repair.
Use Microsoft Print to PDF in the meantime
From the application's ordinary print dialog choose Microsoft Print to PDF and save the file. It is not identical to the software's native export, but it keeps invoices and reports moving while the converter is repaired.
Stopping it happening again
When it is not worth fixing yourself
If you would rather not work through this alone, a printer specialist can take a look with you on a screen-share and tell you honestly whether the machine is worth saving.
Frequently asked questions
Will reinstalling Windows fix it?
That is far more disruption than needed. A vendor repair tool or a fresh user profile resolves nearly all cases.
Why does my physical printer still work?
Because the fault is in a separate virtual printer driver used only for PDF creation.
Can I copy the driver from another PC?
No. The driver has to be registered and activated on each machine by its installer.
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