Accessing online accounts

Steve

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I am working to help settle the estate of a deceased family member and have run into a practical snag. His Windows 8 computer is locked with his live account and I want to be able to retrieve any pictures he may have had before wiping his drives.

Is there any way to override the password or open a Win 8 laptop without knowing the live account password?

Thanks!
 

Bob Hubbard

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Steve

Steve

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Ah, thanks guys. You rock. I tried using the password reset, but because it's locked with his MS Live account, and I also don't have access to the gmail account he had as his backup, they were asking for a lot of information. Granted, I am glad that they make it so hard. But at the same time, when you are trying to manage a person's estate it makes a sad and depressing task close to unbearable.

I'll work through the resources you all shared and see what happens. Thanks!
 

Bob Hubbard

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Steve

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oftheherd1

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I am working to help settle the estate of a deceased family member and have run into a practical snag. His Windows 8 computer is locked with his live account and I want to be able to retrieve any pictures he may have had before wiping his drives.

Is there any way to override the password or open a Win 8 laptop without knowing the live account password?

Thanks!

Were you able to get what you needed with any of the tools provided?
 
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Steve

Steve

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Working through it now. I'm starting with the tips Bob provided, but have to wait until I get the certified death certificate (which should be today or tomorrow). Because there was a fatality involved in an accident, we have had to wait several days to get the report from the medical examiner's office. Depending upon how strict google and microsoft are, I might also have to provide court paperwork to show that I'm legally the "personal representative" which requires a 40 day waiting period from the death. I've been taking care of a lot of the estate for my mom, who is the legal next of kin, and we've been able to take care of most everything. But there are a few things that require a formal determination from the court as to who exactly is the legal, personal representative of the estate.

I'll let you guys know. This is one of a few dozen "really important" things I'm trying to manage right now and I'm a bit of a mess, frankly.
 

Carol

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Steve, I'm so sorry to hear about this. A good friend's 28 y.o. son was missing for over 90 days. His truck and body were recently recovered from a retention pond, and she's been stepping through some similar stuff.

I know that doesn't help you specifically, but if there's anything I can do, don't be afraid to reach out. I'm a pretty good ear. :)
 
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Steve

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Thanks, Carol!

Quick update. I was able to figure out my brother's password and recover his pictures and documents from his laptop. Just a tip for you Catholics out there... the names of popes isn't a very secure password if people know you're a Catholic. :D
 

Bob Hubbard

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Thanks, Carol!

Quick update. I was able to figure out my brother's password and recover his pictures and documents from his laptop. Just a tip for you Catholics out there... the names of popes isn't a very secure password if people know you're a Catholic. :D
Also if you know someone's a Star Trek fan, 1701 is a good 1st try for their pin #'s.
 

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