So, I'm in a bit of a bind. I've been locked out of my old Microsoft email for over 10 years. I know both the email and the password, but after too many failed sign-in attempts, I'm being asked to verify my identity, which involves providing Skype info, etc. I've tried various details, convinced they're correct, but nothing has worked.
I hit a wall, and the only thing I can think of is to brute force the verification code that the email would send itself. I believe recovery codes are 6 digits long? I started inputting codes from 000000 and got up to 000120 before having the bright idea to find an automated program to do this for me.
I looked for some software that could just cycle through these codes and press enter, but I'm at a loss. I stumbled upon hashcat, but it feels way too complicated for my needs. Is there any simple program that lets me set a range of numbers for attempts? It seems like a lot of work for an email from when I was 10, but I really want to reconnect with my old WoW character and other random memories tied to that account. I appreciate any direction or recommendations, and if there's a better spot for this kind of post, please let me know!
3 Answers
Brute forcing might not be your best bet, honestly. Recovery codes are usually longer than 6 digits; in fact, for Outlook accounts, they can be around 25 digits! That makes it pretty much impossible to brute force without triggering timeouts or locks on your account.
It’s really unlikely that their system would allow unlimited attempts without locking you out after too many failures. You definitely don’t want to risk getting permanently banned. Have you thought about reaching out to Microsoft support directly? Maybe they can give you another way to verify your identity.
I’ve tried that, but they weren’t very helpful. But I guess it might be worth a shot again.
Honestly, after 10 years, it might be time to let go. What’s so crucial that you need that email now?
I just want to check on my old WoW character. It holds a lot of memories for me.
I didn’t realize they were that long! Guess I’ll have to find another way, then.