Can I have multiple Microsoft Live accounts and what's happened to one of them

Hi Ron,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community!

Based on the description, it appears that you are having issues in accessing Microsoft account.

To guide you in the right direction, I need a few more information from the computer that has the issue. Please help me answer the following questions:

1.      What happens when you try to access the account?

2.      Did you create a local account or Microsoft account initially?

I would suggest you to refer to the links and check if it helps.

Your life, connected

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows-8/microsoft-account#1TC=t1

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows-8/which-user-account-for-me

If the issue persists or you have further questions on Windows, please do not hesitate to let us know. It is our pleasure to be of assistance.

You can have multiple accounts if you wish.

To access your SkyDrive page (and retrieve documents) you must know the account and password that you used when you created the SkyDrive storage space.

A Hotmail account is deleted if it is not used during the first 10 days after you register or for any consecutive 60 days.

To verify that your account still exists (or does not), sign in to your Hotmail account at the following MSN Web site:
http://www.hotmail.com/

Have a look at "Already signed up for Windows Live ID?" on this link, see what it can tell you, if anything.

Windows Live ID
https://accountservices.passport.net/ppnetworkhome.srf?vv=1400&mkt=EN-AU&lc=3081

If you don't remember your correct username it doesn't look too good for you.

"If, for whatever reason, you cannot prove that you are the account owner, you will not be given access, and it's likely you'll have lost the account forever."

What are my Lost Hotmail Account and Password Recovery Options?
http://ask-leo.com/what_are_my_lost_hotmail_account_and_password_recovery_options.html

Hi Sharief

With respect, your reply does not help

The links you provided

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows-8/microsoft-account#1TC=t1

only shows how to access CURRENT ACCOUNTS

Which user account is right for me?

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows-8/which-user-account-for-me

ONLY refers to User accounts to control the operating system on the PC

I wonder if this would work for you?  You would have to adapt the article to suite Windows 8.

How to use System Restore to log on to Windows Vista when you lose access to an account
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/940765/

Any adaption would require you to understand how to use the advanced options available in the Windows 8 Advanced Startup Options.

Windows 8 Advanced Startup Options provide major improvements
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/window-on-windows/windows-8-advanced-startup-options-provide-major-improvements/6496