Attempting to access old email

Question

I'm attempting to recover an email that I created almost 20 years ago, haven't accessed in at least 10. I don't remember any of the original security details so obviously the two recovery tickets I'd submitted have done nothing. What can I do besides a neverending revolving door or "self-help" articles that lead to nowhere?

Answer 1

Recovering an email account that you haven't accessed in a long time, especially if you don't remember the security details, can be challenging. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Check for Account Recovery Options: If you have access to any recovery options associated with your account (like a recovery email or phone number), try using those to reset your password or recover your account.
2. Submit a Support Request: If the standard recovery methods are not working, consider submitting a support request to Microsoft. You can go to the Microsoft 365 support page and select the option for account access issues. Be prepared to provide any information that can verify your identity and ownership of the account, such as:
   • Official business documentation (if applicable)
   • Domain ownership details
   • Any publicly listed registration data related to your account.
3. Contact Microsoft Support Directly: If you are unable to resolve the issue through online support, you may need to contact Microsoft support directly. If you are part of an organization, reach out to your IT department or the person who manages your Microsoft services for assistance.
4. Consider Professional Help: If you are still unable to recover your account, you might want to consider seeking professional help from IT specialists who have experience with account recovery.

Unfortunately, if you cannot provide any of the required verification details, it may be very difficult to regain access to your account. Microsoft has strict policies regarding account recovery to protect user data.

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References:

• Tenant access recovery
• Troubleshoot sign-in issues and account access problems

Answer 2

Hi jason pelky, I can understand how overwhelming and frustrating this situation must feel trying to recover something important from an account you haven’t touched in years only to hit dead ends and automated loops.

First check if the account still exists by trying to sign up with the same email if it does gather any old details like past passwords or linked services and contact the provider through their escalation channels not automated forms offering any proof like old billing info or linked accounts if recovery fails accept it’s gone create a new account and secure it with a password manager and 2FA.

Do you remember if that old email was ever linked to another account service or device like social media Xbox or Skype or a recovery email because those connections can open alternative recovery paths?

Best regards

Lucky