QuickBooks Detected that a Component Required to Create PDF [Fixed]

Whether you’re running reports or filing your taxes, having printed copies allows you to save records both manually and within your software. However, you might encounter an issue when trying to save a document as a PDF or print it, along with an on-screen warning message:

“Error: QuickBooks can’t complete the current action due to a missing component: Missing PDF file component.”

This QuickBooks missing PDF component issue can appear in various forms and trigger different error messages. We understand how frustrating it can be to deal with such problems. To help you out, we’ve created this detailed guide explaining the possible error messages, their causes, and the effective methods to fix the issue.

Printing and PDF Errors You May Encounter 

The following is a list of error messages that may appear when you attempt to print or save as a PDF. Fortunately, these issues can be easily resolved using the QuickBooks Print & PDF Repair Tool, which is detailed in the troubleshooting section.

• There is a problem connecting to your currently selected printer, Microsoft XPS Document Writer on the XPS port.
• Could not print to the printer.
• Error: QuickBooks can’t complete the current action due to a missing component: Missing PDF file component.
• QuickBooks is not responding.
• PDF Converter shows offline.
• You cannot print directly to the QuickBooks PDF Converter.
• The device is not ready.
• Unable to save as a pdf file.
• QuickBooks could not save your form or reports as a .pdf.
• QuickBooks freezes when you try to reconcile accounts.
• Print Driver Host for 32-bit Applications has Stopped Working.
• QuickBooks Unrecoverable error.
• QuickBooks PDF Converter Activation Error -20, -30, or -41.
• Error 1722 or 1801 when installing PDF Converter.
• Problems printing transactions or reports.
• The reconcile window disappears or doesn’t show.

Why is QuickBooks Missing the PDF Component? 

Here’s why you see the QuickBooks missing PDF component when trying to save as a PDF or printing: 

• Corrupted or missing PDF components in QuickBooks
• Incorrect file permissions in the temp folder 
• Common system issues might be blocking the QB saving as PDF process 
• Damages or corruption to the XPS Document Writer 
• Issues with your PDF template 
• Outdated Print Spooler service properties

How to Fix ‘QuickBooks Detected that a Component Required to Create PDF’? 

We’ve gone over several reasons why QuickBooks detected that a component required to create a PDF error may appear, along with a list of possible error messages that could show up. Below are some steps to help you save as a PDF or print without any issues.

1. Update QuickBooks 

A compatible version of QuickBooks Desktop is required to run the software, whether printing, saving as a PDF, or running your reports. Updating QuickBooks Desktop to the latest release ensures that security patches and features are up to date and more. 

2. Run QuickBooks Print & PDF Repair Tool

The QuickBooks Print & PDF Repair tool allows you to fix issues with printing, saving, or emailing forms as PDFs from QuickBooks Desktop. 

Note – Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub to the latest release (1.6.0.8). For the best experience, we recommend using Tool Hub on Windows 11 (64-bit).

• Launch the QuickBooks Tool Hub. 
• In the left menu bar, choose Program Problems. 
• Hit on QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool. The utility will take a minute or more; wait until then. 

• Once done, try to print, email, or save as a PDF from QuickBooks Desktop again.

If the error doesn’t resolve, proceed to Solution 2. 

3. Restart and reset your temp folder permissions

Restarting your computer and resetting your Windows temp folder permissions are standard troubleshooting steps that can resolve various QuickBooks Desktop issues, such as printing.  

a. Reset your temp folder permissions

• Launch the RUN command by pressing the Windows+R keys together. 
• In the Run field, type %TEMP%.

• Press the Enter key.
• Right-click anywhere in an empty area of the temp folder and choose Properties.
• Go to Security.
• Verify and ensure all the user names and groups in Security have Full Control.
• Once you set the permissions to Full Control, try to save as a PDF again. 

b. Test if you can print to your XPS

QuickBooks uses some parts of the XPS Document Writer, such as the Microsoft Windows product, when saving a PDF file. Test to see whether the XPS Document Writer printer works: 

• Launch Notepad.
• Type Test and go to File. Then, select Print. 
• Choose the XPS Document Writer and click on Print. 

Note: If you don’t see XPS Document Writer, you’ll need to allow your computer to print to your XPS printer.

• Name the file and save it to your desktop. 
• Move to your desktop and view the XPS Document you printed using Notepad. 

If you fail when printing using the XPS Document outside of QuickBooks Desktop, you must reach out to IT professional or contact us.  

Allow your computer to print to your XPS printer

• Open the Window Control Panel. 
• Switch it to Category View.
• Go to Programs.
• Click on Turn Windows features on or off in Programs or Features. 

• In the list of services, check Microsoft XPS Document Writer.

4. Create a new template or form

Use the new template or form when printing or saving as a PDF to resolve issues:

• Create a new template for your form. Get more help with creating new templates.
• Change the template on your transaction.
• Create your pdf.

5. Update the Print Spooler service properties

Let’s update the Print Spooler service properties to resolve connectivity and processing issues:

• Right-click on Start in the Windows Taskbar. 
• Select Run. 
• In the Run field, type Services.msc and click OK.

• Now, search for the Print Spooler service.
• Right-click on the Print Spooler service and select Properties. 
• Go to the Startup type tab. 
• Choose Automatic, then Apply, and then OK.
• Right-click on the Print Spooler service and click Start to start the service.

6. Update & repair Adobe Acrobat Reader

QuickBooks uses Adobe Acrobat Reader as a component for printing and saving as a PDF. If it’s corrupted or outdated, you might encounter the missing PDF component issue in QuickBooks.

a. Update Adobe Reader/Acrobat

For Windows: 

• Open Adobe Acrobat. 
• Go to Menu > Help and click on Check for updates.
• If the updates are available, click Download. 
• Follow the instructions on your screen to download the update. 
• When prompted, select Quit Acrobat. 
• Click Retry to finish the update. 
• Once the update is installed successfully, click Close from the Update successful dialog box.

For Mac: 

• Launch Adobe Acrobat.
• Go to Help at the top. 
• Click on Check for updates.
• If updates are available, click Yes. 
• On the Update successful dialog box, click OK.  

b. Repair Adobe Reader/Acrobat

If updating Adobe Reader/Acrobat didn’t resolve the problem, you’ll need to repair your Adobe installation.

• Exit Acrobat/Reader. 
• Close all open web browser windows.
• Click on Start at the bottom of your screen.  
• In the search, type Control Panel and press Enter. 
• Go to Programs and Features.
• Choose Acrobat or Adobe Reader, then click Uninstall/Change.

• Click Next on the Setup dialog box.
• Select Repair and click Next. 
• Choose Install.
• Once the process finishes, click Finish. 
• Restart your computer.
• Open QuickBooks Desktop and try to print again. 

Tip: If repairing Adobe Reader doesn’t resolve the issue, try uninstalling and reinstalling the program.

7. Rename the QBPrint.qbp file

Renaming the QBPrint.qbp file forces QuickBooks to create a new file. This way you will lose all custom printer setups, but also resolve printing errors caused by a corrupted file.

• Locate the QBPrint.qbp file.

Quick tip: You might need to display hidden files and folders or search for files using Windows to find these files in Windows.

• Windows 10: C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks 20XX
  • Note: 20XX represents the version of your QuickBooks
• Server 2012: C:\Program Data\Intuit\QuickBooks year and C:\Users\**remote user**AppData\Roaming\Intuit\ YEAR VERSION\TSPrinterSettings
  • Note: Terminal Service users report finding duplicate copies of the Qbprint.qbp file with the stored client data files; double-check all folders for odd instances.
• Right-click the QBprint.qbp file for your QuickBooks version and select Rename.
• Add the word .old to the file name (i.e., QBPrint.qbp.old).

Open QuickBooks Desktop.

• From the File menu, select Printer Setup.
• Select any transaction in the Form Name list and select OK. This will create a new QBprint.qbp file.

Note: You do not have to do this for every transaction.

• Try to open and print any transaction.

8. Test, reinstall, and adjust permissions for XPS Document Writer

Note: The steps below are only for Windows, not Terminal Services.

If you failed when printing using the XPS Document writer outside QuickBooks, you must reach out to an IT professional or contact us.   

You can try the steps below with an IT professional: 

• First, enable the XPS service on your computer. 
• Press the Windows+R keys together on your keyboard. 
• Type optionalfeatures and click OK.
• Look for Microsoft XPS Document Writer in the list and select it. 
• Click OK.
• Now, try printing again using XPS Document Writer and print outside QuickBooks to test it. 
• Modify the security software settings. 
• Settings in your security programs, such as Norton Antivirus or McAfee Firewall, can block .xps file creation. Review your security software settings to ensure .xps files aren’t restricted.

• Modify the Windows user permissions for your XPS XPS Document Writer.
• If a Windows user lacks permission to print to the XPS Document Writer, QuickBooks can’t convert the file to a .pdf. You might need to sign in with Admin Rights to adjust these permissions.

Conclusion 

Finally, we are ending this blog with a list of possible factors that may be causing “QuickBooks detected that a component required to create PDF,” along with detailed steps on how to fix it. By following the above troubleshooting steps, you should have resolved the issue and be able to save the file as a PDF successfully.

For further assistance, dial +1(866)500-0076 to speak with a QuickBookSupportNet ProAdvisor available 24/7!

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to fix a missing PDF component in QuickBooks?

To fix a missing PDF component in QuickBooks, first run the QuickBooks PDF & Print Repair Tool from the QuickBooks Tool Hub. If that doesn’t work, try repairing your QuickBooks installation via the Control Panel, and ensure that Microsoft XPS Document Writer is enabled in Windows features. 

Why is QuickBooks unable to complete the current action? 

 QuickBooks is unable to complete an action due to outdated software, corrupted company files, or missing or damaged components, especially when using PDF functions. You can also try running the QuickBooks Tool Hub to diagnose and repair the installation, update the program, or check Windows settings.

Why am I getting a PDF error in QuickBooks? 

PDF errors in QuickBooks are often caused by outdated software, corrupted components, or Windows setting issues, or if the Windows component, such as Windows XPS Document Writer, gets damaged or missing.

How to create a PDF in QuickBooks?

To create a PDF in QuickBooks, you can either use the built-in “Save as PDF” or “Download” options for specific forms and reports, or use your system’s “Print to PDF” functionality.