Hi - my brother has recently passed away and we are in the process of settling his affairs. Could you please let me know the details of how we can access the contents of his account.

@ rd1000

It is MSN/Windows Live Policy that we do not reset the password of accounts of deceased or incapacitated individuals. Instead, after the required paperwork has been submitted and validated, we will provide the contents of the account on a CD.

Microsoft is very concerned about our users' online security. Because of the nature of your request, we must ask for some personal information to verify that you are the executor of the account holder’s estate or the power of attorney before we release the account details to you.

Follow these steps to submit the request:

1. Fax or mail the request to the Custodian of Records.

• Fax number: (425) 708-0096

Note: Users who are calling from outside the United States must dial 001 (425) 708-0096. 001 is the country code for the United States.

Attention: Custodian of Records

• Mailing address:

Windows Live/MSN Compliance
1065 La Avenida, Building 4
Mountain View, CA 94043
Attn: Custodian of Records

2. Provide the following items with the request:

• An e-mail address that can be used to contact you in case of questions
• A shipping address to ship the data to

Note: We cannot send data to a P.O. box.

• A document that states that you are the benefactor or the executor to the deceased's estate and/or that you have power of attorney for an incapacitated customer and/or are next of kin
• A photocopy of your driver's license or other government- issued identification
• A photocopy of the death certificate or, for an incapacitated customer, a signed note from the attending physician attesting to the incapacitated state of the customer
• The following information about the account

Note: Fill in the information as well as you can. Do not leave blank.

• Account name

Note: Include the account name on all pages of any faxed or mailed documents.

• First and last name of the person who owns the account
• Date of birth
• City, state, and ZIP Code/Postal Code
• The approximate date of account creation
• The approximate date of last sign in

Note: If you are from a non-English-speaking country, we ask that you send the request in English if possible. However, any legal documents, such as a death certificate or a driver’s license may be sent in the original language. Any translations do not have to be certified or endorsed.

The Custodian of Records will contact you within five business days of receipt of all required documents. After the Custodian

Thanks for the info on how to start the process of this.  I was wondering if the information on the CD will be able to allow me to acces the email account?  I have to be able access other accounts such as banking, credit cards, etc. for which I don't have passwords to either.  Thanks for your help.

I followed the procedure outlined by Windows Live Eddie F.  I sent the information by fax on August 20, 2009.  By September 14, 2009, I still had not been contacted by the Custodian of Records, even though said post says I would be contacted within five business days.  So, I again faxed the information, on said date, and still have not heard back from the Custodian of Records.  Is there any way to confirm they have received my faxes and why I am not receiving the requested information?

Hi meamcd,

The CD will only contain what the account has. Access will not be provided.

Thanks

Hi jesster444,

The Custodian of Records is a separate group that handles a large volume of requests like yours. Since you have already faxed the complete information and required documents, they should already be handling your request.

But if the information and documents is missing one, they may have prioritized others.

Try again or call the fax number.

Thanks