Can't log onto my MS mail account

Tully said:

I have really screwed up my Email account!
It is a 2 stage security system.

The phone number is wrong! Can't get reset password there!
Somehow my normal login account lost the password.
Tried to reset the password would not recognize the old Email account so I added a new one.

It assume the new Email address was my prime account.
Tried to use the new Email to reset the password, but it will not let me use the original Email account as the 2nd verification Email.

I DON'T WANT to setup a new Email account as everybody uses my current Email address!

What can I do to retain my present Email address & straiten out my account?


I made a BIG mistake in using the 2 stage verification process!!

HELP!


Tully

First, let's make something really clear: Microsoft does not change your details, put a wrong phone number or secondary email address into your security information. If there's a wrong number or invalid email address, it is absolutely totally most definitely a self caused user error, if your account wasn't hacked.

The reason your two step verification does not work is you.

OK, back to the business. Luckily even in worst case scenario you will get your account back and can access it again, you just will not be able to use the account in one month; that's the time Microsoft waits after an account recovery before letting you in again. To totally reset your security info and recover the account, do this:

1.) Goto Sign in to your Microsoft account

2.) Click Can't access your account?

3.) Select I know my password but can't sign in (regardless if you know the pw or not):

4.) Enter the email address in question

5.) Select I don't have any of these

6.) Give another valid email address where you want Microsoft to send the recovery information

7.) Tell as much as you can about the email account you are trying to recover like your name, address, and so on. You will also be asked about which folders you have created, subjects of a few emails you have received recently, previous passwords and so on; the more information you can give, the better

Done. In one month you will receive information needed to recover the account, exact date will be shown to you when you have finished giving all required information.

Two step verification works only if the user takes care that the security information is valid and correct. I recommend using an Authenticator App, I have the MS Authenticator installed on my Windows Phone and have never any issues with verification but if you use a text message / email authentication method you have to take care that you use correct number and email address. In case of getting a new phone number you have to change it as soon as possible in the account security settings.

Kari