Repeated attempts to recover a forgotten Hotmail password will lock you out.

If this happens, it's possible to email the Microsoft Support team using the Feedback option. Give them as much information about your account as possible. We were asked these questions:

1. The first and last name


2. The sign in name you are having difficulties with


3. Your date of birth in the form "month/date/year"


4. Your country or region


5. Your state


6. Your ZIP or Postal Code


7. The approximate date of the last time you successfully signed in
   The exact Microsoft Passport Network site you last visited on your last successful sign in (Example: MSN Hotmail, MSN Messenger, MSN Chat, MSN Games)


8. The approximate date you registered the account


9. A list of as many personal folders you have created in the account aside from the default folders of MSN Hotmail (Example: Inbox, Drafts, Sent Items)


10. The name of your current Internet Service Provider (ISP) and any past ISPs you have used


11. The name of the organization that you access the Internet from, if you access the Internet from outside your home


12. The IP address for each computer that you use for the account

Top Tip: Be persistant. If a support rep tells you the information is incorrect, tell them they're wrong and if possible add some more information (refer to actual emails in the InBox). Ask for the problem to be escalated to someone more senior.

...worked for us!