pslewis

I don't think this is Computer Related as it's a generic issue which could apply to anyone of us.

Whe I log into my Hotmail Account it is saying that I am about to access sensitive information ...... ckick here to send a code to your linked account.

Never done this before.

Trouble is that the linked e-mail account has been dead for many years .... I set up this hotmail account around 12 years ago now. I use it every day.

So, my question is - how do I change my linked e-mail account.

I rang Hotmail Support and they have just led me a merry dance ... they took over my laptop, clicked around and mumbled in an asian accent "OH, Dear" "OH, Dear" as they clicked on files showing lists of errors upon errors .................. he was clicking around for ages, just mumbling "Security Breached" "OH Dear" "Tech Support will sort the issue, but it will take time" ... blah, blah, blah ......

ALL I WANT IS TO CHANGE THE LINKED ACCOUNT FFS!!!

OK, I said - after about 25 minutes of mumbojumbo - tell me what is going to happen. "We are going to solve the Security for you Sir" ....... good I said, is there any cost?

Mumble mumble yes £299.99!!! WTF!? I can buy an new laptop for that if this one has been compromised!!

What a fecking rip-off!!!!

Anyone here know how to change the linked account?

JackClark

https://account.live.com/Proofs/Manage

JackClark

And move to Outlook.com

pslewis

Thanks Jack .... but that's what I have been doing ... I get this statement:-

As you're trying to access sensitive info, you need to use a security code to verify your account. How would you like to receive your code?

It lists my ancient dead e-mail .... well, I don't want it sent there and this is the problem.

The other option says "I don't have these anymore" which I click and get this message:-

"If you ever lose access to your account, your security info helps you get back in. Update this info to help keep your account secure. It will take 30 days for the update to take effect. The waiting period makes it harder for a hacker to lock you out of your account with just a stolen password"

30 DAYS?????????? I have to wait 30 DAYS!???

This cannot be right - it is my primary e-mail account!

I think they are manipulating things so that people buy their £300 'solution'!

tony de wonderful

Sounds like à scam lol.

Move to a more up to date email provider anyway. Hotmail and aol emails make you look like an old duffer.

JackClark

You're probably fooked. This no doubt does the same https://account.live.com/proofs/Add?mkt=en-gb&apt=1 mine has my phone number, they send a code to that via txt.

LSherratt

iTrader: (1)

I switched from @hotmail.co.uk to @icloud.com last year when I got my MacBook but yes, @aol.com is really old!

tony de wonderful

Thats what I did to although I did in 3 years ago. My old hotmail account is still open but I use the icloud as my primary. Had the hotmail account since 1996.

ChrisB

How did you find the phone number for "Hotmail Support" Pete? If you put something like "hotmail support" into Google and tried one of the first numbers, then you didn't ring Microsoft...

PS. You might want to buy that new laptop now you've had some random 3rd party all over your existing one, installing who knows what...

pslewis

OH **** ......

It was a 0800 number ... seemed genuine? Ii did hesitate when he said he wanted access - I said just tell me how to do it ...... but the programs they wanted me to download said microsoft???

LSherratt

iTrader: (1)

I still get emails through from @hotmail but I've set it so that they're all redirected to my primary @icloud.com account.

ChrisB

Any more details on what they had you download?

It could be semi-legit as in they just want to sting you for £££ but, personally, I'd consider your PC compromised and not do anything like banking on it until you've had it properly checked. Some of the current nasties out there are very cute and complete buggers to remove. An Aliens approach can be the best tactic - take off and nuke it from orbit (or backup your work and rebuild it from scratch)

tony de wonderful

Semi legit? LMAO. Microsoft are thieves but they are never going to charge you £300 to fix a bloody web based email account.

pslewis

They asked my e-mail account and my date of birth ..... like a damned idiot I gave them it - I've always been rock solid about security - how could I have been so stupid!

I have looked up the Number I rang - it was Tech Support Mart apparently ... they are scammers to scare you into buying their tech support. No indication that they are crooks who compromise your banking etc.

tony de wonderful

Exhaust fumes must be leaking into your dual climate control AC Pete.

pslewis

I know .... I must be absolutely mad to do what I have just done

pimmo2000

iTrader: (6)

... after all this time people still take you seriously ..

pslewis

?EH?

This IS serious - at least it could be ............

JackClark

Oh ****, sorry Pete, I didn't fully read your post, it's usually drivel. Restore a back up from before the call.

bioforger

iTrader: (1)

this IS a windup right?

tony de wonderful

Pete, did you really give the scammers remote control of your laptop?

pslewis

I've tried that - it won't restore back to any date I request .......

pslewis

I thought it was Hotmail ..... I thought my account would be locked out for 30 days and/or closed in 5 days time - I panicked and rang that freephone number .........

From my research the company seems interested in selling software and tech support rather than compromising my security?

pimmo2000

iTrader: (6)

pslewis

pimmo2000 - your usual great contribution - thanks!

Mouser

Can you start in safe mode? Start and hold F8 for Win 7 and XP, start and tap F8 for Vista I think. Then run malware and anti virus programmes.

pslewis

It's running fine (the laptop that is) - I have tried doing a restore point (in fact loads to a month back) - it fails.

I have Kaspersky Security so decided to make a rescue disc in case things went **** up - it fails saying that there are two processes running.

Can I run Kaspersky from Safe Mode? This is a new area for me to be honest

I have changed my banking details ...... but, if I have a keystroke reader installed that may not have been sensible?

JackClark

You should consider buying a Macintosh, it may seem expensive but your time is valuable and worry is a killer at your age.

pslewis

Mouser, brilliant idea and I have just started in Safe Mode and restored back nearly a month - it did it this time, must have been something stopping it???

Right, I believe I have removed anything that was placed on my Laptop last night - that's one step.

Thanks for the useful suggestions ....

Now to change my passwords I guess?

I would like to start the laptop from afresh - as if it were new ...... how do I keep my favourites for example? And what about reloading Vista?

And Jack - yes the worry is a killer at my age!

CREWJ

I'd wipe everything and start again by re-installing windows. It's the only way to be sure you have sorted it.

Favourites can be saved to a file which you can keep on a pen drive. Alternatively you can save them to an account in the browser. For instance, I use Google Chrome with a Google account and all my favourites/bookmarks/settings get transferred when ever I log into the browser.