Incorrect data on file with microsof

Question

Have two msn email accounts. My account: ******@msn.com is active on my Iphone but cannot access on laptop. Forgot password and attempted to change but I keep getting "verify its you" and requires a code to change p/w. One way is to send code two my wifes account : ******@msn.com and the code never arrives in her mail box. The 2nd way is to text the code to a telephone number. The number listed is a HOME PHONE not a mobile phone. 1. What do I do to have Microsoft change the number in their system to a I phone number which receives texts. 2. Why when Microsoft says they are sending a "code" to my wifes email account, that it never arrives? I always check the junk file and its not going there

Answer 1

Hey there! Nice to meet you!

Since you can't receive the verification codes, please try these steps:

1. Avoid submitting multiple requests to phone numbers, since this could stop verification codes from being delivered.
2. Suspicious traffic from your geographical location may cause delays in delivering verification codes. These uncommon issues usually resolve on their own after some time.
3. Check the email spam folders in case you received the codes there.

If you still can't receive the codes, this may indicate that your account is blocked from access due to unusual activity. You will not be able to receive verification codes until the account block expires, as stated by Microsoft particularly under "I'm not receiving my Microsoft account verification code": https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/troubleshooting-verification-code-issues-409090c4-92b5-42b9-8ae6-bcc97e62fc48#:~:text=If%20you%20received%20a%20Microsoft%20verification%20code%20that%20you%20did#:~:text=If%20you%20received%20a%20Microsoft%20verification%20code%20that%20you%20did

Kindly perform these steps to fix the error:

1. Perform a password reset via Incognito/InPrivate window using different devices and network services.
2. If it doesn't work, wait exactly 24 hours to reset the password.
3. If the issue persists, kindly wait exactly 48 hours to perform another password reset.
4. In case the 48 hours don't work, you may need to wait a longer period, exactly a week. The idea is to wait for the account lock to expire first before you reset the password.
5. Lastly, if the error remains after a week of waiting, try to submit an account reinstatement form in order to check your account status and if it can be reinstated: https://www.microsoft.com/concern/AccountReinstatement?SilentAuth=1&wa=wsignin1.0 You may receive the results via email within 48 - 72 hours.

Important: Please make sure not to attempt to sign in or reset the password within that timeframe (24 hours, 48 hours, and a week), as this may reset the lock cooldown.

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

Best regards,

Darhyl

Answer 2

1. To change the phone number used for verification

Microsoft cannot change the number for the account; the number must be updated from within the account settings after successfully signing in.

Because sign-in is currently blocked by verification, use these options shown in the context:

• When prompted for a verification code, if there is an I don't have any of these option, select it and follow the prompts to update or add new security info (such as a mobile phone that can receive texts). This is described for work/school accounts but the same pattern applies when Microsoft offers that option.
• If sign-in is not possible at all with existing methods, use the account recovery process and guided support tool mentioned in the context to regain access, then:
  1. Go to https://account.live.com/names/manage and sign in.
  2. Under Your info, choose Add phone number to add the iPhone mobile number.
  3. After verification, optionally remove the old home phone number by selecting Remove next to it.

Note: A phone number used for text verification must be able to receive SMS; a landline/home phone cannot receive the security code text.

2. Why the verification code to the wife’s email does not arrive

From the context, verification codes are sent only to email addresses that are configured as security info or aliases on the Microsoft account:

• Verification codes sent by email can only be sent to the primary alias or another email added as a way to verify sign in.
• If the wife’s email address is not correctly added as security info on the account, or if there is a typo or domain mismatch (for example, .com vs .co.uk, or spelling differences like rachel vs rachael), the code will not reach the expected mailbox.

Steps to check once access is restored:

1. Sign in to the Microsoft account and go to Your info at https://account.live.com/names/manage.
2. Confirm that the wife’s email address is listed exactly as intended under aliases or security info.
3. If it is missing or incorrect, add it using Add email and complete verification.

If the address is correct and still no code arrives, use the troubleshooting guidance for verification codes:

• Review Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues for delivery issues.
• Ensure that the wife’s mailbox is not blocking Microsoft messages and that all folders (including junk/spam and any focused/other inbox views) are checked.

If none of the existing methods work and no codes arrive, use the recovery option I don’t have any of these (when available) and complete the recovery form with as much accurate information as possible to regain access and then update the security info.

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References:

• Troubleshoot Microsoft verification code issues
• Common problems with two-step verification for a work or school account
• Microsoft account security info & verification codes
• Microsoft account has been locked
• Change the email address or phone number for your Microsoft account
• Help us secure your account
• Can't sign in to my email - Microsoft Q&A