AfterDawn: News

Microsoft says mystery bug blocked HTTPS Hotmail usage

Microsoft has denied that it blocked HTTPS access to Hotmail for several countries.

Instead, the Redmond-based software giant said a mystery bug caused the problems. The issue has since been resolved but Microsoft admits it is still investigating exactly what caused the bug in the first place.



Users in certain countries were unable to switch on the safer HTTPS version of Hotmail. Some questions were raised when it was revealed that Syrian users were getting an error message attempting to do so, due to ongoing political unrest in the country.

"Your Windows Live ID can't use HTTPS automatically because this feature is not available for your account type," a message to users read. Hotmail users who has already opted for HTTPS were not affected in any way.

"We do not intentionally limit support by region or geography and this issue was not restricted to any specific region of the world. We apologize for any inconvenience to our customers that this may have caused," a Microsoft spokesperson said.

The Bahams, Caymen Islands and Fiji were also affected, according to Microsoft.

Written by: James Delahunty @ 27 Mar 2011 3:25

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• 2 comments

• Mariahnas2002

  My hotmail has been blocked by Microsoft as they said my Hotmail has 'been compromised' or hacked.
  
  I tried to follow the procedure to get access again. They were going to send me a new password to an old email address that I gave them when I first signed up. This email address is no longer available so I do not get the password.
  
  I tried to change the email address and it is impossible and I cannot add new details or phone number as it is impossible.
  
  I also tried to contact them and couldn't. I tried to go on their site forum and as I cannot access my account, i cannot use it either.
  
  I will lose my job as for the past three days I cannot read my emails to obtain relief work or check work available and shifts.
  
  Can someone else help me if you know how to get in, or how to contact Microsoft or if they had the same problem?
  
  Thankyou I am in Darwin Australia

  18.5.2011 09:43 #1

• Mariah57 (unverified)

  My hotmail has been blocked by Microsoft as they said my Hotmail has 'been compromised' or hacked.
  
  I tried to follow the procedure to get access again. They were going to send me a new password to an old email address that I gave them when I first signed up. This email address is no longer available so I do not get the password.
  
  I tried to change the email address and it is impossible and I cannot add new details or phone number as it is impossible.
  
  I also tried to contact them and couldn't. I tried to go on their site forum and as I cannot access my account, i cannot use it either.
  
  I will lose my job as for the past three days I cannot read my emails to obtain relief work or check work available and shifts.
  
  Can someone else help me if you know how to get in, or how to contact Microsoft or if they had the same problem?
  
  Thankyou I am in Darwin Australia

  18.5.2011 09:45 #2