Struggling to Access My Late Father’s Email and Devices

While I can't help you directly, I totally resonate with what you're experiencing. It's a nightmare trying to access someone else's accounts after they pass. My advice? Make sure you don’t leave your own kids in the same predicament. Consider using tools like 'I'm dead, now what', so your info is all in one place for them. It can include everything from account logins to subscriptions. It's essential to be proactive about this so they won't have to go through the same stress.

Honestly, if you're desperate, you might try cracking into his devices. Windows computers can be bypassed pretty easily with the right guides. Also, do a text search on every app for any special characters or numbers that might hint at passwords he stored. If you're able to get into any device, check if there's a lot of 'other' storage, which might mean he had a hidden secure folder.

It sounds like a really tough situation, and I’m sorry you have to deal with this. Unfortunately, you might need to get a lawyer involved to help sort this out. The companies often require proof of legal authority over the accounts before they’ll hand over access. I know it's frustrating, but they deal with a lot of requests, both legitimate and fraudulent, so having someone who knows the ropes can really help. Just be prepared for it to take some time, especially during a tough period like this.

You're doing your best under tough circumstances. The most effective route is usually to contact the companies with your father's death certificate—they have departments for this sort of situation. Unfortunately, for BitLocker, it’s trickier. They won't just unlock it for you; they’ll need to verify his account and you might need the recovery key. Without it, there's no easy way in, and cracking the encryption is complicated.

I empathize with you; handling this loss is already so hard. Have you checked his phone thoroughly for written down passwords or a password manager? Sometimes people have notes or document apps where they store this info. Also, consider creating an 'In the event of my death' document for your loved ones, detailing passwords and account info. It could really save them a lot of headache later on.

You should definitely email customer support with the death certificate; it should help you gain access to the accounts. If they don’t respond quickly, a lawyer can help push things along. It can be a straightforward process if you have the right paperwork ready.