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Level 1
December 12, 2020
Question

Blank activation screen

  • December 12, 2020
  • 35 replies
  • 1 view
Installing Turbotax premier 2020.  I get a blank activation screen.  Updater did complete prior.  New computer, new disk, disabled firewall

35 replies

Level 2
December 3, 2021

This didn't work for me.  I could see the screen after changing the resolution, but it won't let me enter anything into it.   Any other suggestions?

Level 2
December 3, 2021

After changing screen resolution, minimize the screen, then maximize.  I was able to then enter activation code.  Convoluted way to run software, but it worked for me.

Level 2
December 11, 2021

I was installing and activating TT 2021 Deluxe.  The Activation Screen kept popping up as a blank white screen.  The solution for me was to change scale, either up or down, while the blank screen was up.  After the change it showed the activation screen but the controls were apparently not active.  None-the-less, I clicked in the License Box which did not appear to be active, typed my license code without dashes (it did not show up in the box), then clicked the apparently not active blue Activation box (two times after a 5 second delay).  That actually worked to get past the activation process.  Then I started a tax file, saved it, closed, and was able to reopen TT and the file as it should work.

Level 2
December 12, 2021

OMG I did everything listed in the above, disabling firewalls and the system crap, all the stuff in the previous 7 pages of posts.  I am not sure if all that crap  was necessary but I finally did this. 

 

1. get to blank activation screen on TT business tax

2. open settings display and change display resolution down one from what it was.  Leave display settings open, go back to TT and activation screen appears but not working. type code in box even tho you cant see it.

3. go back to display settings and change to another resolution. go back to TT and the code will be visible. Now click once on activate.

4. go back to display and change again. go back to TT and it should say activated.  

5 . close TT, then right click TT and go to properties , compatibility and run compatibility troubleshooter. use recommended settings. for my new laptop windows 10 it is running in compatibility mode for windows 8. i do not have to run it as administrator

 

This Finally worked for me, I carried forward last years file off of a thumb drive

 

 

 

Level 2
December 12, 2021

Congratulations !!!!

 

I think we should ask TT for a discount for the work we ended up doing.

 

Level 2
December 14, 2021

Did NOT work for Turbo Deluxe 2021.

 

I've updated drivers, set to 100% screen size, and set resolution to 800 x  600.

 

Nothing worked!!!

HELP!!!  PLEASE!!!

DoninGA
Level 15
Level 15
December 14, 2021

@mkauz wrote:

Did NOT work for Turbo Deluxe 2021.

 

I've updated drivers, set to 100% screen size, and set resolution to 800 x  600.

 

Nothing worked!!!

HELP!!!  PLEASE!!!


Use this website to contact TurboTax support during business hours - https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact/

Or -

Support can also be reached by messaging them on these pages https://www.facebook.com/turbotax/ and https://twitter.com/TeamTurboTax

Level 4
December 14, 2021

Had the resolution problem with the activation window.  May have been scale, not sure but after wasting over an hour, I am in.  now I am getting a blank screen when I go to the state tax tab,,  I know the state forms are probably not ready yet but normally it lets you sign up for an email for when they are.  I am back at the original resolution after going thru the problem with the activation window. 

 

Come on Intuit, do you have a decent test protocol.  MAkes me wonder how safe it is to use your software.  Companies usually get better with software but this does not feel so.

DoninGA
Level 15
Level 15
December 14, 2021

@5flavors The state software is not yet available.  If you try and start a state tax return the program will pop up a window for you to download the state program.  See screenshots -

 

 

 

Level 4
December 14, 2021

it may be on your machine, which is what it did on mine in years past.  This year it just opens a blank window and the only thing you can do is hit the x on the upper right to close the window.  My PC us current and powerful,

 

Level 2
December 30, 2021

New Windows 11 machine had same problem.  Using factory installed intel graphics adapter with latest updates installed.

 

Resetting scaling allowed screen to show but it could not be updated.  Went to 800x600 resolution with same result.  Closed and reopened TT and got blank screen.  I noticed cursor would change as I moved around on the screen so I guessed where the input field would be and entered the code in the blind, then clicked lower right corner.  Characters did not show up, but (surprisingly) the software activated!

 

I have had no issues on any other applications, and TT seems to be working fine once I got past the activation screen.  I consider this a Turbotax issue that you folks need to resolve.

 

Level 2
December 31, 2021

BLANK SCREEN on Activation

 

First of all, don't change your normal resolution YET.  Verify your scaling is at 100%. Clear your cache and cookies and reboot your computer. Re-open TurboTax. Now, when you see the blank box, change the display to 600/800. Go back to TT, you should see the activation bar now. Move your mouse over the bar to input the License Code - DO NOT click. The mouse should change from a hand/arrow to an "I" over the bar.  Now, left-click once.  Important: BLINDLY type in the License Code in with the dashes very carefully YOU WILL NOT SEE ANYTHING happen, but it is typing. Then click activate. It may take a few seconds to do something.  After it accepts the LC you should be able to put scaling and resolution back to normal.

 

This is a screen resolution issue predominantly with laptops and can take hours to determine the perfecta combination of which screen resolution to scaling that will work.  So, the above work around can take a few hours off of your attempts.

Level 2
December 31, 2021

BLANK SCREEN on Activation

 

First of all, don't change your normal resolution YET.  Verify your scaling is at 100%. Clear your cache and cookies and reboot your computer. Re-open TurboTax. Now, when you see the blank box, change the display to 600/800. Go back to TT, you should see the activation bar now. Move your mouse over the bar to input the License Code - DO NOT click. The mouse should change from a hand/arrow to an "I" over the bar.  Now, left-click once.  Important: BLINDLY type in the License Code in with the dashes very carefully YOU WILL NOT SEE ANYTHING happen, but it is typing. Then click activate. It may take a few seconds to do something.  After it accepts the LC you should be able to put scaling and resolution back to normal.

 

This is a screen resolution issue predominantly with laptops and can take hours to determine the perfecta combination of which screen resolution to scaling that will work.  So, the above work around can take a few hours off of your attempts.

Level 2
January 15, 2022

worked.  Thanks.  Especially typing without input acknowledgment.

Level 5
January 12, 2022

I have tried the scaling and resolution suggestions, every possible size it seems, still just get a blank activation screen. Really BAD START!!

Level 2
January 20, 2022

Tried all the suggestions, nothing works. I have used Turbo Tax for over 20 years and never had an issue like this before. Very disappointed. Will try to get Customer Service involved, or get a refund and try a different program this year.

Level 2
January 20, 2022

Have you tried the blind typing?

Level 2
January 21, 2022

Yes, it won't even let me Ctrl V to paste into it. Just nothing.....

Level 2
January 30, 2022

Well after 2 days I have finally managed to get passed the blank screen.   Here is how I believe I did it. I reduced the resolution to 1366X768 and the Scale to 100%.   I started TT and the blank screen came up and froze.  So I right clicked outside the activation screen (as one of the fixes described) and the activation screen appeared.  But it would not take any inputs, no it wasn't just invisible, it was frozen and would not accept my code.  I closed TT and restarted it again.  This time when the blank screen appeared, I double clicked quickly on the blank screen and the information came up and accepted the code and, Wah-Lah, I am in.  

I had tried this before and not sure why it worked this time, but an thankful as I like TT, but this time it used a lot of my time and seems to me this problem has been around for awhile and shouldn't be in a production released software.

kh98771
Level 2
January 30, 2022

TurboTax 2021 install fails on Activation - screen is blank. This is a resolution and scaling issue.

-copy code (if you have to, type it out on something on your computer: notepad, word, sticky note, ect. Highlight and Copy/Ctrl+C)
-open TT download to blank screen
-open display (start>setting >system> resolution for Windows) or right click on the desktop and chose display setting from the pop-up box
- change to 800 X 600 ( or something close, remember the original)
-keep changes (everything is going to be huge)
-go back to TT
-(Even though they won't see it happening) click the box where the LC goes
-Ctrl+V and then hit Enter on the keyboard
-you won't see anything
-Go back to display and change back to original resolution
go back to TT -you should now see the license code
-select activate/enter (you may need to close and reopen, but you should be taken to the register screen or the turbotax home screen.