# [phone] How to Resolve checks or paychecks printed in the wrong order in QuickBooks Desktop?

QuickBooks Desktop is one of the most reliable accounting tools used by small and mid-sized businesses across the United States. One of its key functionalities is printing checks and paychecks directly from the software. However, users sometimes encounter a frustrating issue—**checks or paychecks printing in the wrong order**. This may lead to misaligned check numbers, accounting confusion, and employee dissatisfaction.

If you’re dealing with this issue, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it's entirely fixable. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the **possible causes, troubleshooting steps, and preventative measures** to resolve the issue of checks or paychecks printing out of order in QuickBooks Desktop.

## Table of Contents

1. [Understanding the Problem](#1)
2. [Why Does QuickBooks Print Checks in the Wrong Order?](#2)
3. [Preliminary Checks Before Troubleshooting](#3)
4. [Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix the Problem](#4)

* 4.1 [Check the Print Setup in QuickBooks](#4.1)
* 4.2 [Verify Printer Settings](#4.2)
* 4.3 [Update QuickBooks and Printer Drivers](#4.3)
* 4.4 [Use Print Preview](#4.4)
* 4.5 [Reorder Checks in the Print Queue](#4.5)
* 4.6 [Manually Set the Check Order](#4.6)
* 4.7 [Edit the Check Number Before Printing](#4.7)
* 4.8 [Clear the Print Queue and Retry](#4.8)
* 4.9 [Print Checks One at a Time](#4.9)
* 4.10 [Use Batch Printing Correctly](#4.10)
5. [How to Reprint Checks in the Correct Order](#5)
6. [Contact QuickBooks Desktop Support – [phone]](#6)
7. [Tips to Prevent Checks from Printing in the Wrong Order](#7)
8. [FAQs](#8)
9. [Conclusion](#9)

## 1. Understanding the Problem

When you print multiple checks or paychecks using QuickBooks Desktop, you expect them to print in a sequential order (e.g., check #1001, #1002, #1003, etc.). But sometimes, QuickBooks may skip a check number, repeat numbers, or print them in an incorrect sequence—such as #1003, #1001, then #1002.

This misordering can cause:

* Mismatched check stock
* Confused recipients
* Duplicate check numbers
* Inaccurate financial records
* Wasted time and resources

## 2. Why Does QuickBooks Print Checks in the Wrong Order?

Several reasons may cause this problem:

* Printer settings misconfigured for reverse order
* QuickBooks Desktop not updated
* Print queue errors
* Incorrect check number entered manually
* Issue with default printing templates
* Printing from multiple workstations
* Misalignment in batch printing settings
* Damaged QuickBooks company file
* Multiple printer drivers installed

## 3. Preliminary Checks Before Troubleshooting

Before diving into the solutions, perform these checks:

* Ensure your check stock is aligned properly.
* Confirm your printer is working correctly with other documents.
* Check if the issue occurs in one company file or all files.
* Note the order in which QuickBooks displays the checks before printing.

If everything seems fine and the checks are still printing out of order, move on to the troubleshooting steps.

## 4. Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix the Problem

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### 4.1 Check the Print Setup in QuickBooks

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Go to **File** > **Printer Setup**.
3. Choose **Check/Paycheck** from the Form Name dropdown.
4. Ensure **Print Order** is set to **Normal** (not reverse).
5. Click **OK**.

This ensures QuickBooks sends checks to the printer in a logical order.

### 4.2 Verify Printer Settings

Some printers print documents from bottom to top (reverse order), especially older models.

1. Go to **Control Panel** > **Devices and Printers**.
2. Right-click your printer and select **Printing Preferences**.
3. Locate the option for **Print Order** (may appear as "Reverse" or "Last Page First").
4. Set to **Normal Order**.
5. Apply and click **OK**.

### 4.3 Update QuickBooks and Printer Drivers

Outdated software can cause compatibility issues.

#### To Update QuickBooks:

* Go to **Help** > **Update QuickBooks Desktop**.
* Click **Update Now**, check all updates, then click **Get Updates**.
* Restart QuickBooks.

#### To Update Printer Drivers:

* Visit the printer manufacturer’s website.
* Download and install the latest drivers compatible with your OS.
* Restart your PC.

### 4.4 Use Print Preview

Before printing checks:

1. In the check print window, click **Print Preview**.
2. Review the order.
3. If the order is incorrect, cancel the print and reorder checks in the list.

### 4.5 Reorder Checks in the Print Queue

QuickBooks allows manual sorting before printing.

1. Go to **File** > **Print Forms** > **Checks**.
2. Highlight the checks to be printed.
3. Use the **Up/Down arrow** keys or drag and drop to reorder them.
4. Click **Print**.

### 4.6 Manually Set the Check Order

1. Open **Write Checks** window.
2. Select or enter checks one by one in the desired order.
3. Save them.
4. Go to **File** > **Print Forms** > **Checks**.
5. Print in the saved order.

### 4.7 Edit the Check Number Before Printing

If QuickBooks has skipped or misaligned check numbers:

1. Open each paycheck/check before printing.
2. Enter the correct check number.
3. Save and close.
4. Print them in order.

### 4.8 Clear the Print Queue and Retry

Sometimes the issue lies in the printer queue.

#### To Clear the Queue:

1. Go to **Control Panel** > **Devices and Printers**.
2. Right-click on your printer > **See what's printing**.
3. Cancel all documents.
4. Restart the printer and computer.

Now go back to QuickBooks and reprint the checks.

### 4.9 Print Checks One at a Time

If batch printing is problematic, print individually:

1. Open each check/paycheck.
2. Click **Print** > **Check**.
3. Enter the check number and confirm.
4. Repeat for each check.

This ensures full control over the print sequence.

### 4.10 Use Batch Printing Correctly

When using **Print Later** or batch options:

1. Tag all checks with “Print Later.”
2. Go to **File** > **Print Forms** > **Checks**.
3. Ensure the list is ordered by check date or vendor name.
4. Manually rearrange if needed.

## 5. How to Reprint Checks in the Correct Order

If you’ve already printed checks in the wrong order, you can still fix it:

### Step-by-step:

1. Go to **Banking** > **Use Register**.
2. Select the bank account.
3. Locate the incorrectly printed checks.
4. Edit the check number and mark as **To be printed**.
5. Save changes.
6. Reprint from **File** > **Print Forms** > **Checks**.

Make sure to destroy the incorrect paper checks to avoid confusion or fraud.

## 6. Contact QuickBooks Desktop Support – **[phone]**

If you are still struggling or don’t feel comfortable performing the steps yourself, contact QuickBooks Desktop support at:

📞 **Toll-Free Helpline: [phone]**

A certified technician can help with:

* Printer configuration
* Batch check management
* QuickBooks file repair
* Step-by-step troubleshooting via remote support

Support is available for U.S.-based businesses 24/7.

## 7. Tips to Prevent Checks from Printing in the Wrong Order

To avoid future issues, implement the following best practices:

* **Always preview** checks before printing.
* **Use one dedicated printer** for checks/paychecks.
* **Update** QuickBooks and drivers regularly.
* **Label check stock** with numbering.
* **Train staff** on proper batch printing steps.
* **Back up company files** before check runs.
* **Use high-quality check paper** that aligns properly.
* Avoid multitasking while checks are being printed.

## 8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### Q1: Why is QuickBooks skipping check numbers?

A: If a check is marked as printed but fails to print, QuickBooks moves on to the next check number. You may need to manually correct the check number.

### Q2: Can I change check numbers after printing?

A: Yes, go to **Use Register**, find the check, and edit the number. However, make sure to void the incorrect physical check.

### Q3: Is there a way to reorder checks before printing?

A: Yes, use the **Print Checks** screen and manually reorder the list before clicking Print.

### Q4: What if the issue occurs in multi-user mode?

A: Ensure only one user is handling the check printing process to avoid conflicts.

### Q5: Does using different printers affect order?

A: Yes. Different printers have different settings. Use the same printer consistently for checks to avoid surprises.

## 9. Conclusion

Printing checks or paychecks in the wrong order in QuickBooks Desktop can disrupt your workflow and financial tracking. Fortunately, by carefully adjusting your settings, reordering your check list, and using correct print procedures, you can eliminate this issue.

Always test your setup using the **Print Preview** option and back up your data before large batch check runs. If you're ever unsure or encounter errors you can’t fix, don’t hesitate to contact the QuickBooks Desktop experts.

📞 **Call Support Now: [phone] (Toll-Free, USA)**

QuickBooks is a powerful tool, and with the right troubleshooting approach, you’ll ensure your check printing process is smooth, efficient, and error-free.