TurboTax 2020 install fails on Activation - screen is blank

[mesquitebean]

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@ garytodd2285 wrote:

I did manage to get TT 2020 activated but when I tried to open last year's tax return file, it asked me to download the appropriate state.  I again was faced with drop down boxes that did not function.  I was unable to get around this, even by changing the resolution to 800 x 600..  ☹️

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I'll assume you are using the Windows version.

What did you mean by "last year?"    By "open last year's tax return file" did you mean 2019?    You can't "open" the 2019 data file using 2020 TurboTax;  a 2019 file can only be "opened" in 2019 TurboTax.  Or did you mean you were transferring the 2019 data file into a new 2020 return?     Or are you referring to a 2020 return, which is the current product year's return people are still preparing?

If you are having a screen resolution problem, and lowering 800x600 didn't work, then try the next higher resolution such as 1024x768, and gradually work up.  

Also, did you relaunch TurboTax after making the display resolution change?  Some users said they had to do that, or even reboot (restart) their computer after making the change.

Also be sure scaling is set to 100% in the Windows display settings.   Many people have scaling set to a higher value.  

[VolvoGirl]

Are you ok now?  CN you launch the program?

After you get the program installed the first thing to do before you open your tax return is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to FILE - NEW TAX RETURN)

Then go to FILE -Open and find your return.

See error 190

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/bugs-and-error-messages/help/error-190-when-opening-file-in-turbot...

[billjans]

Responding to Gary Todd about the state tax return.  I believe I had the same problem and in this case a call to TurboTax Support resolved the problem.  Essentially they provided me with a new download link to the Virginia taxes that bypassed the one that was failing for me.  It was like downloading the state software again for free, but could not have been done without Turbo Tax Support doing it for me.

[garytodd2285]

Yes, I can start the program and I began creating a test return.  I saved it and went to open my return.  I got the same white screen when attempting to download the state.

[mesquitebean]

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garytodd2285 wrote:

Yes, I can start the program and I began creating a test return.  I saved it and went to open my return.  I got the same white screen when attempting to download the state.

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I mentioned this above, but you didn't comment on it, so I don't know if you saw it and tried all of it or not.  Here it is again:

If you are having a screen resolution problem, and lowering to 800x600 didn't work, then try the next higher resolution such as 1024x768, and gradually work up and see if you find one that works..  

Also, did you relaunch TurboTax after making the display resolution change?  Some users said they had to close and relaunch, or even had to reboot (restart) their computer after making the change.

Also be sure scaling is set to 100% in the Windows display settings.   Many people have scaling set to a higher value.  

If you continue to have trouble and can't get your state download, phone TurboTax Support for assistance.  They may be able to push you the state download to install.

Hours are currently 5AM-5PM Pacific (8AM-8PM Eastern) Monday-Friday.

You can use this contact form to get a phone number, or it may schedule a callback.
https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact

[camitche]

OMG this totally worked! I changed the resolution as described in other posts and it was still a blank screen. Then I hovered over the center of the blank screen and moved my cursor around until it changed as it does when you will type text. I hit control v and pasted the copied code and then hovered in the bottom right hand of the screen and the cursor turned into a hand as if you would select a "next" button, I clicked and VIOLA--it activated. This is soo crazy, but it worked!

[garytodd2285]

Thank you to everyone who responded.  Here's what I ended up doing to make it work.  I changed the screen resolution to 1024 x 768 and rebooted my laptop.  I was then able to download, install, activate and add states as necessary.  All of the drop downs worked properly.  I can now open last year's return on my new laptop.

Thanks again!

GRT

[mesquitebean]

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@garytodd2285 wrote:

Thank you to everyone who responded.  Here's what I ended up doing to make it work.  I changed the screen resolution to 1024 x 768 and rebooted my laptop.  I was then able to download, install, activate and add states as necessary.  All of the drop downs worked properly.  I can now open last year's return on my new laptop.

Thanks again!

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You're welcome.  I'm glad it worked for you.  Good luck.

[jmreliableprop]

I have changed the resolution, the scale, and changed to administrator and nothing is working. Please, help!

[swallen56]

Try this: Delete TT completly and restaret in safe mode with networking.  Then re-download TT and go through the steps of activating while in safe mode.  Then resatart normally.  If the activation window is blank, enter the code even though it doesn't show anything and wait for a while doing nothing.  It should appear in a few minutes and you can click the OK.   Hope this helps.

[JimCNordhaus]

Same issue.  Technician Harry told me to Shut Turbotax2020 down and change my screen back to normal 1560. Then, reopen Turbotax and change the screen settings back to 800/600.  The key box did display on my screen, but would not accept entry.

Harry said to enter the key underneath the box, press enter and then activate.  Would you believe, I gained access to TT2020.  Pain but really surprised TT hasn't put out a patch for this.  A+ to Harry.

[Dano53]

I initially loaded & used TurboTax 2020 on an older HP Desktop running Windows 10. in July 2021 I purchased a new HP Laptop running Windows 10 Version 21H1. When I attempt to run TurboTax 2020 on the new HP Laptop ... it will act like it's running updates, then when you choose continue, the program drops away ... and then when you attempt to run it a 2nd time it goes to a "blank Activation screen" and just sits there.

[VolvoGirl]

Recent FAQ 

If you get a blank activation screen see

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/upgrade-products/help/how-do-i-fix-blank-screens-during-activation...

[seattlefuze]

Any more progress on this?  I was unable to get the activation completed and load the state tax portion on my new Lenovo Yoga and ended up moving to an older Yoga.  All available updates have been applied and I am running the most current drivers.   The problems began after I updated turbotax earlier today.  This is absolutely ridiculous that Turbtax has not resolved this issue!

[garytodd2285]

Here's what I did to get it to work.  I set the screen resolution to 1024 x 768 and rebooted my laptop.  At this resolution, the re-install, activation and download of state(s) process worked properly.   After reinstalling, I was able to reset the screen resolution to the optimal in order to take advantage of the higher resolution screen on my new laptop.

Hope this helps.

GRT