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Recovering an old email

Darren Chiam 5 Reputation points
2025-08-01T23:54:41.89+00:00

Hi,

Hi,

I have an old hotmail(@live.com) account.

Context:

The email was created some 15 or so years ago. It is the primary email for my facebook and instagram I was trying to remove it from facebook. Facebook required a code to be sent to the email so I tried login on Outlook. After 2 failed attempts I tried "I gorgot the password". The recovery email is one that i no linger have access to. When i selected " I no longer have access to this email" Microsoft locked the account for safety. I am trying to recover it. I have now found the correct password after going back through my records. I can now log in, but it's saying i still need to recover the account. The problem is:

the form they ask me to fill needs me to confirm: all former passwords - i have the right one and the there are no other former passwords; several recent emails I have emailed - the problem is I have not used that email to email anyone in about 13 years and cannot remember who i have emailed. This email is solely to be a login for facebook; the exact subject line of several correspondences sent which i cannot remember for the same reason.

Would anyone be able to help?

Can i get into contact with support?

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Account management, security, and privacy

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  1. Darhyl Amizola 33,985 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-03T02:38:34.29+00:00

    I appreciate the response.

    Unfortunately, the only way to recover the account now is through the account recovery webform: https://account.live.com/acsr

    Detailed steps on how to use the Account Recovery Form can be found here: https://support.microsoft.com/office/b19c02d1-a782-dee6-93c3-dc8113b20c42

    Microsoft takes account security very seriously, that's why Account Recovery is an automated process with no human influence. If you don't have the correct information, you may not be able to get through account verification using the Recovery Form.

    The Account Recovery Form requires adequate information to prove that you are the owner of the account. The Account Recovery Process can be a time-consuming process, but providing as much info as possible from the start of the process will increase the possibility of being verified by the automated process. You'll need to keep trying until you're verified by Microsoft.

    Remember to use a familiar device from which you've frequently accessed your Microsoft account, as well as a familiar location. Microsoft will review your responses and respond within 24 hours. If you are verified, instructions on how to log back into your account will be sent to you, and if you are not verified, you will need to submit the Account Recovery form again. You can do this up to 2 times every 24 hours.

    It's important to note that Microsoft Support will not be able to grant you access to your account, you will be sent back to the Account Recovery pages that have been linked above.

    If your Microsoft account recovery request was not granted or was unsuccessful, please click the attached link for more information: https://support.microsoft.com/office/dc56c3e3-dff0-4ed5-8edb-60290eea6b53

    Best regards,

    Darhyl

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  2. Dario Župan 0 Reputation points
    2026-02-20T19:45:19.8033333+00:00

    Hi

    My problem is old phone number, but kinda same problem . I fill up everything even the card that i have paid couple times with via Apple store, still says its not me. I have all pictures from facebook with both ( old and new) phone numbers connected with mail.

    please lets do something togehter to get my email back

  3. Darhyl Amizola 33,985 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-02T00:34:45.0266667+00:00

    Hey there! Nice to meet you!

    Based on your description, kindly follow the guide to unblock your account through this link:

    https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/account-has-been-locked-805e8b0d-4141-29b2-7b65-df6ff6c9ce27

    If the issue persists, I highly recommend you submit a reinstatement form as a last resort:

    https://www.microsoft.com/concern/AccountReinstatement?SilentAuth=1&wa=wsignin1.0

    (This is not an account recovery webform/ACSR)

    You may receive the results via email within 48 - 72 hours.

    If you haven't received a response to the reinstatement request you have submitted after 72 hours, please check your email inbox, junk, and spam folders in case you receive it there.

    If the account has been unlocked but you are still unable to recover your account and since you have no longer access to your security information, kindly click on the option 'I didn’t get a code' when prompted for a code at sign-in at the 'I don’t have access to these' when you are resetting your password, then follow the instructions. account.microsoft.com

    You will be asked to fill out a security questionnaire. You will be asked for info, like the subject lines of an email you recently sent from your account, your birthdate, credit card info, and other details only you would know.

    Go to Recover your Microsoft account (https://support.microsoft.com/help/17875) for tips on how to successfully fill out the security questionnaire.

    https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/microsoft-account-security-info-verification-codes-bf2505ca-cae5-c5b4-77d1-69d3343a5452

    Note: There may be a 30-day waiting period to get full access to the account again.

    Thank you for your kindness and understanding! Please feel free to let me know if you need anything else.

    Best regards,

    Darhyl