4 ms·

I know this isn't the be avenue for this, but I haven't been able to find help online anywhere. I've been locked for months out of my outlook email address. Eve

I know this isn't the be avenue for this, but I haven't been able to find help online anywhere. I've been locked for months out of my outlook email address. Every time I try to log in, it says it's been blocked and they need to send me a verification code on my phone number. Now, I don't trust Microsoft with my phone number but there doesn't seem to be another way to get this verification code. Someone knows how can I solve this, or even why they locked me out for no reason and now want my number at all costs?

jasomill 12y ago
Use a pay phone?
- cliveowen 12y ago
  The problem is that even if I provide a number it says there was a problem and to try later. But it's been doing this for months. It's really appalling how backwards Microsoft's approach to security is, a real nightmare.
  - JohnTHaller 12y ago
    Google works the same way for password recovery and blocking. There's basically zero support for any free product. And barely any (if any) support for their paid products.
    - cliveowen 12y ago
      The general scheme is surely the same, but here we're talking about an implementation problem, and Microsoft has an history of them. Here's basically what happens: 1)Log in->2)fail->3)asks for number->4)insert number->back to 2) Alternative scenario: 1)Log in->2)fail->3)asks for number->4) click on other options->5)support page->6)ask to contact support->back to 1)->2)fail->and on an on It's an infinite loop, there's no solution. They fucked this up pretty badly, I really wouldn't risk having a business account with Microsoft. Imagine you work on a spreadsheet for days and then this happens.
      - JohnTHaller 12y ago
        When your account is blocked for some reason (spamming report, automatic detection of nude pictures, invalid report of some abuse, etc), you have no recourse with either Microsoft or Google. A few people (connected journalists) have been able to make contact within Google and regain access within 7-14 days, though. For everyone else, consider all your stuff gone and your account no longer available.
anoncow 12y ago
The other options could be to use a second email id, microsft's authenticator app or a "trusted" PC.
- cliveowen 12y ago
  I can reset the password with the other email but once I've done the resetting I still can't log in and I get asked for the phone number.

jasomill 12y ago

Use a pay phone?

cliveowen 12y ago
The problem is that even if I provide a number it says there was a problem and to try later. But it's been doing this for months. It's really appalling how backwards Microsoft's approach to security is, a real nightmare.
- JohnTHaller 12y ago
  Google works the same way for password recovery and blocking. There's basically zero support for any free product. And barely any (if any) support for their paid products.
  - cliveowen 12y ago
    The general scheme is surely the same, but here we're talking about an implementation problem, and Microsoft has an history of them. Here's basically what happens: 1)Log in->2)fail->3)asks for number->4)insert number->back to 2) Alternative scenario: 1)Log in->2)fail->3)asks for number->4) click on other options->5)support page->6)ask to contact support->back to 1)->2)fail->and on an on It's an infinite loop, there's no solution. They fucked this up pretty badly, I really wouldn't risk having a business account with Microsoft. Imagine you work on a spreadsheet for days and then this happens.
    - JohnTHaller 12y ago
      When your account is blocked for some reason (spamming report, automatic detection of nude pictures, invalid report of some abuse, etc), you have no recourse with either Microsoft or Google. A few people (connected journalists) have been able to make contact within Google and regain access within 7-14 days, though. For everyone else, consider all your stuff gone and your account no longer available.

anoncow 12y ago

The other options could be to use a second email id, microsft's authenticator app or a "trusted" PC.

cliveowen 12y ago
I can reset the password with the other email but once I've done the resetting I still can't log in and I get asked for the phone number.