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L. L.
Lv 4
L. L. asked in Computers & InternetSecurity · 9 years ago

I requested a password reset, can log into my Hotmail account, but need help?

I requested a password reset, can log into my Hotmail account, but receive the following error when I try to change my security information: "Server Error 401 - Unauthorized: Access is denied due to invalid credentials. You do not have permission to view this directory or page using the credentials that you supplied." Since I am logged in, I should be able to access that area in order to update my security information. In fact, when Microsoft initiated the password reset they told me that I should do just that. I have tried asking this in their forums, the only way Microsoft will help beyond the password issue. Can anyone help me navigate this? I have tried three different browsers, all lead me to that same "Server error 401".

3 Answers

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  • ?
    Lv 5
    9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    401 errors in the HTTP cycle

    Any client (e.g. your Web browser or our CheckUpDown robot) goes through the following cycle:

    Obtain an IP address from the IP name of the site (the site URL without the leading 'http://')./ This lookup (conversion of IP name to IP address) is provided by domain name servers (DNSs).

    Open an IP socket connection to that IP address.

    Write an HTTP data stream through that socket.

    Receive an HTTP data stream back from the Web server in response. This data stream contains status codes whose values are determined by the HTTP protocol. Parse this data stream for status codes and other useful information.

    This error occurs in the final step above when the client receives an HTTP status code it recognises as '401'.

    Fixing 401 errors - general

    Each Web Server manages user authentication in its own way. A security officer (e.g. a Web Master) at the site typically decides which users are allowed to access the URL. This person then uses Web server software to set up those users and their passwords. So if you need to access the URL (or you forgot your user ID or password), only the security officer at that site can help you. Refer any security issues direct to them.

    If you think that the URL Web page *should* be accessible to all and sundry on the Internet, then a 401 message indicates a deeper problem. The first thing you can do is check your URL via a Web browser. This browser should be running on a computer to which you have never previously identified yourself in any way, and you should avoid authentication (passwords etc.) that you have used previously. Ideally all this should be done over a completely different Internet connection to any you have used before (e.g. a different ISP dial-up connection). In short, you are trying to get the same behaviour a total stranger would get if they surfed the Internet to the Web page.

    If this type of browser check indicates no authority problems, then it is possible that the Web server (or surrounding systems) have been configured to disallow certain patterns of HTTP traffic. In other words, HTTP communication from a well-known Web browser is allowed, but automated communication from other systems is rejected with an 401 error code. This is unusual, but may indicate a very defensive security policy around the Web server.

    Fixing 401 errors - CheckUpDown

    When you set up your CheckUpDown account, you may optionally provide two items 2. Web Site User ID and 3. Web Site Password. You should provide these only if the site uses HTTP Basic Authentication. If you provide them, the CheckUpDown robot always uses them. This will result in a 401 error if in fact the site does not use this authentication. Conversely, if you do not provide them and the site does use this authentication, you also get a 401 error.

    If however your URL is open to all comers, then an 401 message should not appear. Because it indicates a fundamental authority problem, we can only resolve this by negotiation with the personnel responsible for security on and around the Web site. These discussions unfortunately may take some time, but can often be amicably resolved. You can assist by endorsing our service to the security personnel. Please contact us (email preferred) if you see persistent 401 errors, so that we can agree the best way to resolve them.

  • 9 years ago

    Microsoft are scrapping HOT MAIL and relaunching as either AGLOO or AGLOW. They have been very shifty about the last eight days when they have accused hackers of getting into accounts etc so they closed down. It has taken a week for the real story to start leaking out into press and media. Hopefully accounts will be trouble free very shortly because thousands of us have had enough.Its my primary account but I will be closing it completely once I get access.

  • Anonymous
    8 years ago

    We provide expert assistance over issues such as:

    Reset Hotmail account password:

    By making a phone call to tech guys from Hotmail support, you can stay away from the issue like this.

    ning in issues in mail account:

    Problems in logging in to your mail account? Call us at once to nail the issue down as soon as it is possible.

    Retrieving back missing mails:

    We are expert in getting back all those waned mails which have been lost while in the middle of reaching you. All that you have to do is to make a phone call to get one of our experts on board.

    Call Toll Free: 1-888-551-2881

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