I can not activate my softwqare becaue of a grey out un-writtenable license code window

[Peteredrimales]

I cannot activate the software  because the lincese window is gray out and I cant write on it.

[MichelleLO]

Sometimes a full or corrupted cache can cause problems with TurboTax. Please see How to clear your cache for assistance. If that doesn't work, please contact TurboTax Customer Support for additional assistance. 

[JRUSSELL68]

I am unable to activate my software

[EbonyL122824]

@JRUSSELL68 Follow the instructions in this TurboTax FAQ to find your license code. See this link here for troubleshooting steps. If you need further assistance, contact customer support here.

[Andersonel]

Windows 10 - I at first got the blank screen - I changed my display settings and could finally see the place to insert the code but that spot is grayed out and won't let me enter anything. I cleared my cache, histories, and anything else I could think of. Still nothing. I looked through all of the other entries from other people and tried what they had done but still nothing. I called TurboTax support and got a computer who sent me all the same stuff I had just looked at. I called again and they told me Intuit was closed for the holidays and bummer for me. What a joke. I'm looking for another software to use. Any suggestions?

[Andersonel]

I failed to mention this was TurboTax Deluxe 2021 - Purchased at Staples. I don't have a CD drive on my computer so I have been trying to install it just by going to InstallTurboTax.com.  It installed fine. Just can't activate it.

[Andersonel]

I finally was able to fix the problem. It was a nightmare but it worked. After I adjusted my screen display to anything, I tried to type and saw nothing. Then I changed the display to something else, and it highlighted the box but I still saw nothing when I typed in the code. So I changed it to another screen (pick and choose, it didn't matter as long as I was changing to something). Then I noticed one number. I moved to another screen display and it showed two numbers. So I started again with a new display setting. I typed in the entire license code which showed nothing (it appeared that I was typing nothing), however, when I moved to yet ANOTHER screen display, the number magically was there.  I tried to activate and nothing happened so I moved back to another screen, tried to activate it and it worked! Unbelievable!!! After creaming my cache, histories, disabling my firewall and virus protection, uninstalling the product and reinstalling and nothing happening, it came down to constantly changing my screen resolutions back and forth and back and forth. But it works now. I hope that this helps some poor soul like me who spent hours on Christmas trying to get this to work and finally giving up, calling in for help, not getting anything in my e-mail that was remotely helpful, and getting a message that Intuit is on holiday break (today is not a holiday) unless Monday is for them. Good luck everyone!

[Cindymw53]

Thank you so much! I had the same problem, and was amazed to find that it worked the way you said to do it ... crazy! So much appreciate your help. Cindy

[Andersonel]

Now let's hope that everything else works once all the numbers are put in :). Glad it worked for you! 

Best,

Eric

[horncd]

Thanks so much for your post and solution. Your solution worked for me too! Shame on Turbo Tax. They need to address this issue. 

[Andersonel]

You're welcome! I am so happy you got it working. Now the error I get is the Microsoft Installer Error 1603 and I had to manually download the software updates from the TurboTax 2021 website. I'm terrified that I will get my taxes done and it won't work. I have pretty must lost my confidence in this product. It really is a shame.

[Andersonel]

Warning!!! So if you have continued to have the same problem I had on the installation, you might run into the problem where it will not update. When that happens I have to x of "while" updating to bypass the updates. Then I had to install the manual update but still have to bypass the auto updates to get into the program. I completed my taxes with no issues. THEN I tried to e-file. The exact same problem happened when I had to use my credit card to pay. I was having to pay federal so I had to choose the credit card option. After about 4 hours of hair-tearing frustration, I got a hold of a human who tried his hardest to help me. At one point he and I started to laugh together. He totally apologized and no one could help him as he was stumped. Honestly, he really did try and use all of resources but he got nowhere. In the end he recommended to me to do it the old way and print the pages out and file them by snail-mail. That is what I am doing now. So I hope you don't spend hours and hours ready to jump off a bridge because of this. I have really loved Turbo-tax in the past. But this has been a nightmare. At one point the rep told me that he thought it was a Costo or Staples issue. I reminded him I only used the the code from the CD I bought and downloaded it. Anyway, I pray for you all!

[horncd]

Had a similar issue today. Pop up box to select my state tax software and install was greyed out. Had to switch my screen resolution back and forth to get the state drop down and the button to be available. Was able to get my taxes filed at the end of the day. But man, what a hassle. Have a few relatives to help with taxes in a few weeks. Hoping I don't run into anymore of those grayed out pop up boxes.

[Andersonel]

Good luck with them. If it gets too crazy you may have to print and mail in the returns. I think Intuit should reimburse for pain and suffering :).

[smilinjfb]

My problem too!!