How do I resolve my MSN Hotmail sign-in problems?
I keep getting reports from people having trouble logging into MSN Hotmail. The problems are as varied as the symptoms. But one thing is constant...
… the frustration.
I've put together some ideas to try and solve the various problems you may be having with your MSN Hotmail email.
Spywareand anotherMalware
Scan your machine: I'll start with the obvious things that I hope you're already doing. MSN Hotmail may be affectedmanyin different ways by viruses and spyware. It is important that you run oneupdated VirusScan and spyware scan regularly.
Check your hosts: A common target for malware is the "hosts" file C:WindowsSystem32Driversetchosts. Open it in Notepad. If you see "hotmail.com" or "passport.com," the file was likely compromised by malware. If so, rename the file to something else. You can read more about the hosts file here: “Is there a way to block specific URLs in IE?“.
IE
Although many might argue, Internet Explorer isMe, yesIt's no problem. However, some have reported a few things that have helped them:
Reinstall or repair IE: On Windows XP, you can run theSystem File Checker. In all versions of Windows, the best "fix" might just be an install. Visit the Microsoft websiteInternet ExplorerWebsite for the latest version.
switch browsers: Some have reported that the switch tofire foxor Netscape has solved your problems with MSNHotmail.
Low security: I really don't recommend it, but some have reported that reducing the security in your internet zone to medium-low in Internet Explorer solves some problems. IE itself intentionally makes this difficult because you increase your risk of viruses and other malware. ClickTool,internet options,Security,custom level,reset to, and adjustmedium-low.
HTTP-Version: Some reported that changing the version ofHTMLwhich uses IE helps to solve MSN Hotmail problem. In IE:Tool,internet optionsProgressive, find the entryHTTP 1.1 settingsand disableUse HTTP 1.1. Quit and restart IE for the change to take effect.
TLS: Some have reported that enabling TLS 1.0Protocolused in IE helps solve MSN Hotmail problems. In IE:Tool,Advanced internet options, find the entryUse TLS 1.0and make sure it is checked. Quit and restart IE for the change to take effect.
Cookies
Cookies must be enabledNote: MSN Hotmail requires cookies to pass the Match Image security check. Then:
- No IE, click meTool,internet optionsprivacy, and pressureStandard.
- Clear biscuits, not if passedcookieit causes problems. In IE go toTool,internet options Generally, and pressuredelete cookies.
- clear cache, when a page does not refresh correctly. In IE go toTool,internet options,Generally, and pressuredelete files, and be sure to check it outDelete all offline contentbefore clickingOK.
open yourFirewall: It is important that your firewall does not block cookies, and some do. Check your firewall's documentation, but several people have reported that resolving this issue allows them to bypass the Match to Image phase. It probably doesNOapply if you use aRouterfor your firewall or if you are using Windows XP's built-in firewall. AfastTest would be to turn off the firewall and try to access MSN Hotmail but noNOLeave your firewall turned off.
networkProblems
Networks sometimes get confused and block or redirect access to websites.
rebootat: You have probably already restarted your PC, but make sure to restart yoursModem(turn off and on again) and/or your router. I know my own router got into a state where its behavior was erratic and a reset solved several issues.
BlushDNS: A reboot does this, but a quicker way to ensure you're using the most up-to-date DNS information is to open a commandshell, and enter:
ipconfig /flushdns
This may not be available in all versions of Windows, in which case you may want to perform this reset anyway.
„
The problems are as varied as the symptoms.
Change network settings: Several newsgroups have mentioned this. It involves changing an obscure network setting called "MTU" or "MaxMTU". That's deep insiderecord, but luckily there are tools that make adjusting this setting a bit easier. I useTCP-Optimiererfrom SpeedGuide.net. When using this utility, these changes are reported to help:
- Click on the appropriate connection type (dial-up,ADSL, DSL (PPPoE), or cable modem)
- click incustom settings
- ExchangeMaxMTUbis 1220
- change andPERSONAL DISCOVERYfrom "Yes" to "Default"
- click inApply changes, and thenexit
This type of change requires a reboot for it to take effect. (The theory is that MSN Hotmail made a change in this regard to prevent denial-of-service attacks. Unfortunately, it appears this has caused many users to be denied service.)
MSN Hotmail itself
Try later: Sometimes MSN HotmailIt isthe problem. We've had times when it just didn't work. Although their notification of such events is non-existent (as if it were virtually non-existent), widespread outages are quickly apparent to them, and you can be assured that they are working on the problem(s) even if you are do not know. How long to wait? I usually give it a day.
play with numbers: Exactly how MSN Hotmail is load balanced across hundreds if not thousands of servers is a mystery. If you're able to log in, you'll see addresses like these in your address bar:
http://by18fd.bay18.hotmail.msn.com
The numbers, 18 in this case, vary because MSN Hotmail balances the load by assigning your session to specific servers.
In perhaps one of the more obscure ideas I've seen, a reader reports that changing the number (2 to 23 in his case) solved a post-login problem.Exactlywhat it does or why it might work, so it's hard to recommend, but you can try if you can log in. edit theURLin the address bar by changing the two numbers and pressing Enter. Who knows? It might work.
Outlook Express
MSN Hotmail support in Outlook Express is being phased out, so this could be the problem if you are using OE. TheMicrosoftKnowledgebase Articledeclares that in order to continue using your MSN Hotmail account on OE, you must purchase an MSN Hotmail Plus account.
A web interface for MSN Hotmail, still free.
your computer
look at the clock: Your computer's date and time must be correct. Several aspects of connecting to secure sites like MSN Hotmail depend on the accuracy of your clock.
Use the clock synchronization feature in Windows XP. Right-click the clock on the taskbar and selectAdjust date/time, click Notime zonetab and verify that the time zone is set correctly. Then clickinternet timeleaders, check theSynchronize automatically with an Internet time server. CliqueUpdate nowto update the time immediately.
theft
There are two other scenarios that can cause you to be unable to sign in to your own MSN Hotmail account:Phishingand theft.
Phishing: If you received an email from MSN Hotmail asking you to visit a website to "reverify" your account, you may have been the victim of a phishing scam. The email was almost rightNOreal, and the page was almost rightNOMSN Hotmail. Even if it looked like it, it probably wasHackertrying to get your personal information. The itemPhishing? Was ist Phishing?Have more.
theft: Is your password easy to guess? Have you allowed a friend to use your account? Have you accessed your MSN Hotmail from an Internet cafe or other public place? So it's possible that your MSN Hotmail account has been hacked or stolen. Someone saw, stole, or guessed your password and then changed it.
The bad news is that you could be unlucky. There are few, if any, resources you can use to recover your password or the contents of your address book or mailbox. The only real solution is to start over and take steps to ensure it doesn't happen again.
a specialThanksto all readers of previous articles hereAsk lion!who contributed ideas and solutions for others to try and work with, and to everyone who reported their success and/or failure. Your ideas and comments help everyone.
FAQs
Why can't I log into my MSN email account? ›
Your account may have been blocked. To help reduce spam and junk mail, we limit the volume, number of recipients, and type of email that can be sent. This could be the reason you can't sign-in. To verify that you are not a spammer, and increase your email limit, go to the Add a phone webpage to verify your account.
Why am I having trouble signing into my Hotmail account? ›If you're having problems signing into your Hotmail account, make sure: Caps Lock is turned off (passwords are case sensitive). Your email address is spelled correctly. If you're still having problems signing in, use our account troubleshooter.
How do I reset my MSN Hotmail account? ›A. Microsoft has a recovery page you can use at https://account.live.com/resetpassword.aspx to regain access to your Hotmail account. Along the way, you may be asked to enter the answers to security questions you previously set up, or to provide details about the account to prove your identity.
How can I contact Microsoft about my Hotmail account? ›If you're in the admin center, select Support > New service request. If you're an admin on the account, call (800) 865-9408 (toll-free, US only). If you're outside the United States, see the global support phone numbers.
What happened to MSN Hotmail? ›Acquisition by Microsoft
In 1999, Microsoft acquired Hotmail and its parent company, “Expidite Inc.”, for $400 million. This acquisition allowed Microsoft to turn Hotmail into its new primary email service.
Outlook.com, formerly known as Windows Live Hotmail/MSN Hotmail and commonly referred to simply as Hotmail, is a free webmail service of the Windows Live brand provided by Microsoft.
How do I fix my Hotmail account in Outlook? ›Choose Account Settings > Account Settings. On the Email tab, choose your account (profile), and then choose Repair.
What is going on with Hotmail accounts? ›Microsoft also migrated all of their Hotmail users to another service called Outlook while letting Hotmail users keep using their prior email addresses. It means the Hotmail accounts now have been hosted by Outlook.
How do I fix my Hotmail email not working? ›- Check your internet connection and try again.
- Make sure you're using the correct login credentials.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies.
- Try logging in from a different browser or device.
Basics on Deleting Your Hotmail or Outlook Account
Sixty days after deleting your Microsoft account, you can still reactivate your account by logging in with the same credentials.
How do I contact MSN customer service by phone? ›
- (800) 386-5550. Hours:
- Daily: 24 hours. Disability Answer Desk.
- (800) 936-5900. Hours:
- Weekday hours of operation: 5:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. (Pacific Time) Weekend hours of operation: 6:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. (Pacific Time) Support Forum. MSN Solution Center Website.
Outlook.com is the official name of Microsoft's email service, which was formerly known as Hotmail and Windows Live Hotmail.
How can I actually talk to someone in Microsoft? ›Go to the https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contact/virtual-agent/ and start chatting with a live agent.
Is there a phone number to contact Microsoft support? › Can you live chat with Microsoft support? ›Select the product you need help with
Additional help is available if you need it, including live chat with a Microsoft specialist.
Absolutely! Your original address will remain as a so called alias address for your mailbox so you'll continue to receive mail addressed to that address as well. You can see an overview of all your aliases on your Microsoft Account page.
Does Hotmail still work 2023? ›While hotmail.com email addresses still exist for users who opted to keep them when Outlook took over, Hotmail is completely shut for new users.
Did Microsoft delete Hotmail accounts? ›Microsoft transitioned Hotmail in 2013 to Outlook.com with an updated user interface and improved features. Outlook is now the official name of Microsoft's email service. If you have a Hotmail email address, you can access your email at Outlook.com.
What type of account is MSN Hotmail? ›A Microsoft account is a free account you use to access many Microsoft devices and services, such as the web-based email service Outlook.com (also known as hotmail.com, msn.com, live.com), Office Online apps, Skype, OneDrive, Xbox Live, Bing, Windows, or the Microsoft Store.
Which is older MSN or Hotmail? ›Founded in 1996 by Sabeer Bhatia and Jack Smith as Hotmail, it was acquired by Microsoft in 1997 for an estimated $400 million and relaunched as MSN Hotmail, later rebranded to Windows Live Hotmail as part of the Windows Live suite of products.
What email service does MSN use? ›
Msn.com supports IMAP / SMTP
You can check your emails using other email programs (like Mailbird, Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird).
If you can't send or receive email, check your account: update your password if it's been changed recently. Your account might also be temporarily blocked because we noticed some unusual sign-in activity. Learn how to unblock your Outlook.com account. If an email is too large, you cannot send emails.
Is Hotmail supported anymore? ›Since Microsoft transitioned Hotmail to Outlook, going to www.hotmail.com redirects you to Outlook's webmail service, which currently lives on the domain outlook.live.com.
How do I get my Outlook email to work again? ›- Restart Outlook. ...
- Check the internet connection. ...
- Check offline settings. ...
- Check other Outlook folders for messages. ...
- Check your other devices. ...
- Create a new Outlook profile. ...
- Clear the Outlook cache. ...
- Check your email rules.
Outlook stores all emails in Personal Storage Table files that have the . pst extension. If you can find at least one of these files, you can recover your emails.
How can I recover my MSN account? ›Go to the URL https://account.live.com/resetpassword.aspx. Select the option 'I forgot my password'. Select 'Reset your password'. Enter the Windows Live ID that requires the password reset.
How do I reactivate my MSN account? ›- Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in.
- You'll be asked to receive and enter a security code. After you enter the code, your account will be reopened.
It is possible to recover your deleted MSN account email by filling up and submitting this account recovery form. For your other queries, we suggest contacting MSN support directly or our Answer Desk department. Let us know if you have other queries.
Is it better to use Hotmail or Outlook? ›Which is safer, Hotmail or Outlook? Outlook has better security for emails and advanced encryption protocols that Hotmail did not have, so Outlook is safer.
Should I change my Hotmail account to Outlook? ›We highly recommend that you upgrade to Outlook.com with your existing Hotmail account, rather than creating a new account. If you want a new @outlook.com email address, this article shows you how to add one to your existing account.
What if I can't recover my Microsoft account? ›
If your Microsoft account recovery request wasn't granted, you can keep trying as many times as you want, up to two times per day. We recommend that you review the guidance for filling out the recovery form before trying the form again.
Does Microsoft have a security helpline? ›It says to call Microsoft Security at 1-888-339-0179 and NOT to close or restart the computer.
How can I get help from Microsoft? ›support.microsoft.com - Head over to support.microsoft.com/windows to find answers to more complex problems, browse support content in different categories, and contact support. Get help - Select the Get help link when you're in Settings to learn more about the setting you're using and find answers to your questions.
What time can I call Microsoft support? ›8 AM to 5 PM Central Time.
How do I contact Outlook support? ›Via Phone: By directly speak to someone at Outlook 1 (800) 642-7676 / 1 (843) 894-7676 after making a phone call on their toll-free number where you can obtain 24/7 instant assistance on all sorts of technical issues related to your Outlook account.
Does Hotmail have chat? ›If you have a Microsoft account, such as an Outlook.com or Skype account, you can chat with friends and family in Outlook.com or Microsoft 365 for the web.
Why is my Microsoft account locked? ›If you don't see the Next option when you sign in, your account has been locked due to suspicious activity or for violating of Microsoft's Terms of Use agreement. For help reinstating your account, select the link in the window that begins with aka.ms/. Follow the instructions provided.
Why is my email login failing? ›This is typically due to a mistyped password, but it can also be caused by an incorrect username, connecting to the wrong server, or blacklisting.
Why is my Microsoft email not working? ›If you can't send or receive email, check your account: update your password if it's been changed recently. Your account might also be temporarily blocked because we noticed some unusual sign-in activity. Learn how to unblock your Outlook.com account. If an email is too large, you cannot send emails.
Is MSN email discontinued? ›Even though you can no longer register new addresses with those domains, Microsoft currently has no plans to stop supporting them. However, they are being considered “legacy addresses” and the main focus is on the @outlook addresses now.
What happened to MSN email addresses? ›
Note: Your MSN primary and secondary email accounts will convert to ad-funded free email accounts. This means your email address will stay the same. You may continue to use your email account(s) via a computer with internet access as long as you access the account at least once every 270 days to keep it active.
Why do I have so many failed login attempts? ›Seeing too many failed login attempts is a telltale sign of a type of attack called brute force attack. Then again, it might also be a sign that one of the people who have access to your website's backend has forgotten their password.
What causes failed login attempts? ›Even a failed logon could be flagging a security threat. A user who failed to logon could simply have forgotten their password, but it could also be someone who is trying to break into a legitimate user account. In such cases, it becomes important to trace the the source of the logon attempt.
Why is login failed? ›You get this error message when a connection attempt is rejected because of an authentication failure. User logins can fail for many reasons, such as invalid credentials, password expiration, and enabling the wrong authentication mode. In many cases, error codes include descriptions.
Why is my Hotmail email not working? ›You must check the app or browser version you are using to connect to Hotmail services. It can also be a reason that you are receiving a Hotmail not working error. An outdated version of the browser or the outlook app may bring on the issues.
What is happening to Hotmail accounts? ›Hotmail accounts are now migrated to Outlook.com. This web application has already new features and services that helps users manage emails through the web. To recover it, you can refer to our guide here: Recover your Microsoft account, for more information about the process of account recovery.
Are Hotmail emails still valid? ›While hotmail.com email addresses still exist for users who opted to keep them when Outlook took over, Hotmail is completely shut for new users.
Are Hotmail and Outlook email the same? ›Outlook.com is the official name of Microsoft's email service, which was formerly known as Hotmail and Windows Live Hotmail.
Is MSN account same as Microsoft account? ›When you sign in to your Microsoft account, you have an all-access pass to Microsoft's premier services. If you use any of these services, you should already have a Microsoft account: Outlook.com, Office, Skype, OneDrive, Xbox Live, Bing, Microsoft Store, Windows, or MSN.