If the same Microsoft account password works in one place but MSN conversations no longer accepts it, use the Microsoft account sign-in recovery path for an account whose password is correct but sign-in still fails.
- First run the Sign-in Helper tool. It checks the account and tells what action is needed.
- If the password is correct but the sign-in still fails, use Recover your account and reset it again through the Microsoft recovery flow.
- When entering the account name, make sure the address domain and spelling are correct. For older Microsoft accounts, check that the domain is the right one, such as
.comvs.co.uk, and try another alias or phone number on the account if one exists. - If asked for verification, choose where to receive the code, enter the code, and set the new password.
- If the error says “We couldn't find an account with that username” or “account doesn't exist”, use the Sign-in Helper tool.
- If the account has been inactive for more than two years, it may have been deleted and cannot be reopened.
- If the username is still not recognized after recovery, contact support and report that the username has stopped working.
For Hotmail/MSN/Outlook.com accounts, the password is the same Microsoft account password. If sign-in works in one Microsoft service but not in Outlook.com/MSN web access, also check the Microsoft service status and try the sign-in troubleshooter.