How to Recover Passwords on Hotmail and MSN

Restoring your Hotmail or MSN password is a simple process.

Windows Live Hotmail is a free Internet-based email service provided by Microsoft. The email service was originally titled HoTMaiL when developed by Sabeer Bhatia and Jack Smith in 1996. Microsoft acquired HoTMail in 1997 and branded it MSN Hotmail. Currently, Hotmail and MSN fall under Microsoft's Live group of services. Internet-based email services require the user provide a login name and password to access the email. At times, a user may need to recover or reset a password.

Instructions

1. Visit the Hotmail or MSN website. Open your Internet browser and go to Hotmail.com or MSN.com. Click the "Forgot your password?" link underneath the login area. This will take you to a new web page to fill in your account details.

2. Fill in the password form. On the "Reset Password" screen, enter your email address in the "Windows Live ID" text box. Enter your address as if you were sending yourself an email. For example, enter [e-mail].

3. Enter the Captcha. Hotmail requires that you complete a Captcha for security purposes. Enter the characters in the box above the "Characters" text box. Click "Continue". This will bring you to a new web page.

4. Select a reset option. On the next page, you have two options to reset your password: "Use my location information and secret answer to verify my identity" or "Send password reset instructions to me in e-mail."

5. Enter your location information. Select "Use my location information and secret answer to verify my identity" by clicking the radio button. Enter your country, state, zip code and security answer you selected when you signed up. Click "Continue." On the next page, enter your new password twice and click "Continue." Proceed to log in to your account.

6. Select email password to have your password emailed to your email address on file. Select "Send password reset instructions to me in e-mail" by clicking the radio button. Select the email address you would like your password sent to. Click "Continue." You will receive your password at the email address you identified. Proceed to log in to your account.

References

• TechPluto: The "Hotmail" Evolution
• Windows Live Mail
• MSN