Printer not activated, error code -30

Question

While trying to print to a PDF printer from Quick Books I got the following error message: Printer not activated, error code -30

How can I resolve this?

Answer 1

Press Windows key + R

Type: control printers

Hit Enter

Select the Microsoft Print to PDF printer

Click the Security tab.

Select the Everyone user group.

(Optional) If the Everyone group is not in the list:

Click the Add button.

Enter Everyone in the field and click Check Names.

Click OK.

In the Allow column, select Print (place a check mark in that row), and click OK.

Now navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool in Windows Explorer.

Right-click on Printers and choose Properties.

Click the Security tab.

Click Edit.

Click Add.

Type Local Service and press Enter.

Make sure Local Service has Full Control, then press OK.

Open QuickBooks and try to create a .pdf file.

Answer 2

Hello,

Try reinstalling the Printer.

Right-click Start and select Run.

In the Run dialog box, type in control printers and press OK.

Locate your printer in the Printers section, Right click it and select Remove device.

Restart your PC.

If you have a setup media of the Printer driver(This is usually a CD or Setup program supplied with the Printer), run the utility and let the Printer Install.

If you do not have a setup media, try adding a printer manually using "add a printer" button in the menu bar. It should automatically detect and Install the Printer.

After the Printer Installs, try printing a test page to see if it works as desired.

Retry the task again.

Answer 3

Hi Nicol. I'm Greg, a volunteer installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

To clarify, this was an attempt to print to PDF file, correct? If so check that your chosen .pdf viewer is set as Default in Settings > Apps > Default Apps.

If this concerns your actual physical printer, then first run the Printer Troubleshooter at Settings>Update & Security>Troubleshoot. Report back results.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.