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Can"t access Outlook Account, Says account doesn't exist but it does.

Can"t access Outlook Account, Says account doesn't exist but it does.

When I try to set up account again, it says it exists. When I try to use it, outlook says it doesn't exist, Confusing.

I don't remember my password and since it doesn't think there is an account, I can't reset it. stuck in a loop,

Any suggestions or fixes?

Hi there! My name is Brandon. I'm an independent advisor and a Microsoft user like you.

Can you please try accessing your email account using your web browser?
You can use this link: https://outlook.live.com

Let me know how it goes.

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When i try to sign in, it says my account doesn’t exist

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They day it doesn’t exist until i try to use it as a new account. Then it already exists

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When did you last log into the mailbox? If you don't log in at least once a year, the account is inactive and purged and the only way to recover it is if you have the password - resetting the password wont work. Logging into outlook.com will reopen the mailbox, although it will be empty. (The same applies to OneDrive).   

If you haven't accessed the Microsoft account in 5 years it will be deleted (closed for good). Note that this changed as of August 30, 2019: Microsoft accounts will be closed after 2 years of inactivity. (See https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?linkid=2086738 for the new Microsoft account activity policy.)

Once closed, addresses cannot be claimed or reclaimed, or otherwise reopened. 

The following is from the services agreement that is in effect as of August 30 2019. 

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/servicesagreement 
4. Using the Services & Support.
ii. Account Use. You must use your Microsoft account to keep it active. This means you must sign in at least once in a two-year period to keep your Microsoft account, and associated Services, active, unless a longer period is provided in the Microsoft account activity policy at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?linkid=2086738 or in an offer for a paid portion of the Services. If you don t sign in during this time, we will assume your Microsoft account is inactive and will close it for you. Please see section 4(a)(iv)(2) for the consequences of a closed Microsoft account. You must sign into your Outlook.com inbox and your OneDrive (separately) at least once in a one-year period, otherwise we will close your Outlook.com inbox and your OneDrive for you. 

Diane Poremsky [M365 Apps & Services MVP]
My specialty is Outlook and Microsoft 365 issues.
https://www.slipstick.com
https://www.outlook-tips.net
Mark Yes below if it helped or resolved your issue.

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You can use this link for guidance:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12429/...

You can also try to recover your account using this link: https://account.live.com/ACSR

I hope that this helps.

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They day it doesn’t exist until i try to use it as a new account. Then it already exists
This is normal for deleted accounts - the account does not exist but the address is reserved and cannot be used for a new account. 
Diane Poremsky [M365 Apps & Services MVP]
My specialty is Outlook and Microsoft 365 issues.
https://www.slipstick.com
https://www.outlook-tips.net
Mark Yes below if it helped or resolved your issue.

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I used the account and got mail last week. It was working fine until i updated the last windows 10 release

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That message indicates the address does not exist.  Are you sure you don't have a type in the address? (I speak from experience. :)) 

What browser do you use the read mail? Is the password saved in the browser? 

Diane Poremsky [M365 Apps & Services MVP]
My specialty is Outlook and Microsoft 365 issues.
https://www.slipstick.com
https://www.outlook-tips.net
Mark Yes below if it helped or resolved your issue.

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All my emails on my computer are frozen. Nothing new since Monday. Reading mail off my phone. 

account typed in correctly. 

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Last updated May 17, 2024 Views 12,253 Applies to: