My password is not accepted. I can't sign in to my e-mail account

Question

I'm having trouble accessing my Hotmail e-mail account. Every time I try to access my account, a red message appears“You've tried to sign in too many times with an incorrect username or password.”

This happens too often. I've had to change my password several times. I always check that my login credentials are correct before signing in.

Now, it seems that every time I want to access my Hotmail e-mail account, I have to use a one-time code or change my password.

Please note that I have never used an old device ,app or tablet to access my e-mail account. I have never had a phone in my life. My only recovery option is another e-mail address.

I regularly use any computer available at one of Islington Libraries in England (UK). I urgently need to regain stable access to my Hotmail e-mail account. I never use __Wi-Fi.__

Please note that I was given a new recovery code last Wednesday.

Answer 1

Hello Georges PILON,

Thank you for posting to Microsoft Q&A. 

I am very sorry to hear about the persistent trouble you are having with your Hotmail account. I understand how urgent it is for you to have stable access, especially when relying on public library computers for your essential communications. 

Based on the symptoms you described, it is highly likely that your account is the target of an automated "bot attack." In these cases, hackers use scripts to try and sign in to your Hotmail address thousands of times from different locations. Even though they don't have your password, the sheer volume of failed attempts triggers Microsoft’s security system to lock the account for your protection. 

To stop these lockouts permanently, you can hide your Hotmail address from the login system while still using it to send and receive mail. Please follow these steps: 

Step 1: Create a New Login Alias 

An alias is an additional email address that points to your existing Hotmail inbox. 

1. Sign in to your Microsoft account profile at account.microsoft.com. 
2. Click on Your Info at the top, then select Edit account info (found in the Account Info section). 
3. Under the Account alias section, click Add email. 
4. Choose Create a new email address and add it as an alias (it will likely be an @outlook.com address). 
5. Click Add alias. Once added, click Make primary next to this new address. 

Step 2: Disable Sign-in for the Hotmail Address 

This is the crucial step that stops the lockouts. 

1. On that same Account info page, scroll to the bottom and click Change sign-in preferences. 
2. You will see a list of your email addresses. Uncheck the box next to your original Hotmail address. 
3. Leave only the new @outlook.com address checked. 
4. Click Save. 

Note: Please do not delete your Hotmail address. By unchecking it here, you are simply telling Microsoft: "Do not allow anyone to log in using this name." You will still receive all your emails sent to the Hotmail address, and you can still reply from it. However, when a bot tries to log in using your Hotmail name, Microsoft will instantly tell them the username does not exist for sign-in. 

Important Note for Library Computers 

Since you are using shared computers at the Islington Libraries, please always use "InPrivate" mode (in Microsoft Edge) or "Incognito" mode (in Google Chrome). Public PCs can sometimes save "session cookies" that might allow the next person to see your information. Closing an InPrivate or Incognito window wipes all your data from that session completely clean. 

From now on, you will only type your new @outlook.com address when prompted to log in at the library. 

I hope this helps you maintain a stable and secure connection to your emails. Please let us know if you have any other questions! 

Best regards, 

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