One of the features of the Wave 4 version of Windows Live Hotmail is the Single-use Code feature.
This is a code you can use in place of your password when your at a public place like an Internet Cafe or public library. Just one more step in helping to protect yourself from nasties that might be on those public machines.
Here is how you go about getting and using a single use code:
At the sign in page for your Windows Live Hotmail account you will notice a new entry below your email address and password Sign in with a Single-use code.
Click that link and you will then get the following dialog:
Click on the Request a code and that in turn will lead to this page:
You will need to set up your Windows Live ID account with your cell phone number for this to work. That is because you are sent the Single-use code via a text message. Make sure you do that now before you are out and about needing that Single-use code because you will not be able to get it any other way except via your cell phone.
Once you have the Single-use code just start with the sign in screen and this time you can enter your Windows Live ID and the Single-use code you received via text and then sign in safely and securely.
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how much is it for them to text you the code
Whatever your plan charges for a text message.
Single use-code is a fantastic idea if I did NOT have to enter my mobile number at a PUBLIC terminal, because I sometimes forget to prepare my code before I leave the house. I propose the solution of needing to enter ONLY the last 4 digits of one’s mobile number at the login to get the code. This way, no keyloggers will snoop on my full number, 4 digit is enough to associate a user to the account, and of course my password remains safe. Please let Bill Gates know about my idea.. Thanks
Hello,i tried as well.But,the only thing is i need a video showing the cell phone doing it so i can see because i’m not good with phones.
The single use code arrives as a text message on your phone and then you have to type it into the log in screen on your PC. So the phone is only used to receive the code via the text message.
Hope I am understanding what your asking.
yes,i have tried several times but over and over,i haven’t gotten a single code
yes,my account isn’t locked
yes,i have a cell
but please tell me what is wrong
John,
It is tough to completely troubleshoot it from here. I have no doubt you are entering everyting correctly but there must be a disconnect between the system and your cell phone.
For troubleshooting purposes – can you try this – log into your Hotmail account and change the cell phone number to an alternate – say another friend or family member you are with to test this out. Then try to send the code while they are with you to see if it works.
I’ve followed all of these steps and even double-checked to make sure that my phone number in my Hotmail account was the same as what I was entering when requesting the Single Use code. I’ve never received any text messages receiving any code. Is this feature only supported by certain carriers?
According to the Single Use Code page there are no carrier limitations for this to work.
My account and facebook were recently being hacked into constantly, I have the correct security programs on my computer etc and my password was strong. They have managed to lockout my account and i’m not sure how long that will last. I’ve tried to see if a single use code will allow me access to my account and it says that the code has been sent to my phone. But i haven’t received anything. I was wondering if you knew either how long it would be until my account was accessible again or how i can recieve this code to get in. Thanks
When I have requested the single use code I have received it almost immediately so it seems something is not right for you.
If your account has been hacked it is possible they have changed the mobile phone number you have associated with your account. That means they could be receiving your single use code.
Other methods of unlocking your account may not work now because if they changed the alternate email address you had listed for yourself then you can not even get the password reset email sent to you.
You may need to contact Hotmail Customer Service directly and explain the situation and see what they suggest to regain access to your account.
does this use your credit balance?
There is no cost to get a single use code except for your carriers charge for a text message.
I have tried several times to obtain the single use code, but the text message with the single use code is not received by my cell. I have filled out the single code form with my cell number and agreed to MS’ terms and conditions. Am I missing something? Seems like a good idea if it will work.
Thanks.
I just tested this again with my own phone and it worked. I had the code within seconds. The main thing I can think of is the phone number being in your Windows Live ID profile. It has to be assigned for this to work.
no recuerdo la contraseña, si me envian las instruciones a mi correo al que no puedo acceder, como voy abrirlo?no recuerdo los datos que puse al hacer la cuenta, como recupero la contraseña?
You will need to unlock that accounts password first before this will work.
This information was helpful, except that I don’t have a cellphone.
Hmmm good point. Let me contact someone and see if I can find out if there may be an alternative for the cell phone and receiving the code.
did you find out how you can use a one time code with no phone? do you have any answers? what do i do i need to
The code is sent to your mobile phone number which is required in your account settings. No way around using this without a mobile phone. Sorry.
I got more help from this than I did from MS when I wrote them for information. Thanks.
I am glad the info was useful – thanks for the feedback.