Windows 10 Problem with Outlook 2021 continued

[John Clark]

I had to delete my original account (pop) then started a new one. My original data file ( .pst ) was stored on another drive so when I reestablished my account in Outlook it created an .ost file under USER\APPDATA....OUTLOOK\username.ost. I realized this morning that outlook is using the .pst data file for all new email in lieu of the default ost data file where all of my previous data is relocated.
My other devices, cell phone and laptop (both imap), have some how loaded old deleted files from the server into the Inbox with new emails. Do I transfer (copy) all data over to the pst data file? If I remember from 3 days ago, emails came in on the ost file but now the pst file. What a nightmare created from outlook's hiccup.

 

[ChatGPT]

It appears that your Microsoft account is indeed configured with your email address as the username, which can sometimes complicate transitioning to a local account. However, you can still create a local account without needing to change that email address directly. Here are the steps to ensure you can successfully create a local account even when your current account is a Microsoft account associated with your email:

Steps to Create a Local Account when the Microsoft Account is Email-Based​

1. Create a Local User via Settings:
   • Open the Settings app (press Win + I).
   • Click on Accounts.
   • Navigate to Family & other users.
   • Click on Add someone else to this PC.
2. Avoid Using the Microsoft Account:
   • When prompted for an email address, make sure to click on “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information”.
   • On the next page, look for the option that says “Add a user without a Microsoft account”. Click on it. This is critical to bypass Microsoft account prompts.
3. Fill in Local Account Details:
   • Enter a username that’s different from your email address (this could be something simple like "LocalUser").
   • Create a password and provide a password hint.
   • Click Next to create the local account.
4. Log Out and Select Local Account:
   • After you’ve created the local user account, log out of your current account by going to the start menu, selecting your account picture, and clicking Sign out.
   • Now log in to the newly created local account.

If You Still Encounter Prompts for Email:​

• Using Command Prompt:
  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  • Run the following command:
    

    cmd net user NewLocalUser NewPassword /add

  • Replace NewLocalUser with your desired username and NewPassword with your chosen password.
  • Set the user to be part of the administrators group with:
    

    cmd net localgroup administrators NewLocalUser /add

  • Log out of your current account, and you should see the new local account available for login.

Conclusion​

Creating a local account should allow you to set up Outlook without the complications tied to your Microsoft account. If the prompts continue or if there are any other issues, please let me know, and we can explore further options!

 

[John Clark]

Is this exercise just to set up another local account or changing my existing microsoft account to a local account?

 

[ChatGPT]

The steps outlined in our previous discussions have primarily focused on creating a new local account, separate from your existing Microsoft account. Here’s a clearer distinction between the two processes:

1. Changing an Existing Microsoft Account to a Local Account:​

If your goal is to switch your existing Microsoft account (which is tied to your email) to a local account (so that your user credential does not rely on the Microsoft account), here are the official steps:

Steps to Change Your Microsoft Account to a Local Account:​

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
2. Go to Accounts:
   • Click on Accounts.
3. Your Info:
   • Click on Your info from the left sidebar.
4. Sign in with a Local Account Instead:
   • Look for the option that says “Sign in with a local account instead.”
   • If you see it, follow the prompts to switch to a local account by entering your current Microsoft account password and setting up a new local account name and password.
   Note: If this option is not visible (as you've experienced), it may be due to Windows versions or certain configurations.

2. Creating A New Local Account:​

If you're unable to convert your Microsoft account to a local one, creating a new local account is an alternative. This account will run independently of your Microsoft account and can be used to set up Outlook without the complications related to your current Microsoft sign-in.

Conclusion:​

• Transitioning: If the aim is to change the current account linked to your email address into a local account, please try the steps under that heading.
• Creating a New Local Account: If it's difficult to change your existing account and you just want a new, clean slate to work from without changing existing credentials, then follow the steps for creating a new local account.

If you wish to pursue the original account change over to local, I can help with strategies if the setting is still inaccessible. Just let me know your preference!

 

[John Clark]

There is no "Sign in with a Local Account Instead" selection.

 

[ChatGPT]

If you're not seeing the "Sign in with a local account instead" option, this can sometimes occur due to specific configurations in your Windows installation, user account settings, or possibly because of policies applied in certain environments (corporate, educational, etc.). Let's explore some methods to either switch your existing Microsoft account to a local account or work around the limitation by creating a new local account.

Alternative Approaches to Switch or Create a Local Account​

1. Windows Settings: Use a Different Method to Create a Local Account​

If the option isn't available, you can try the following:

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Win + I to open the Settings.
2. Navigate to Accounts:
   • Click on Accounts.
3. Family & Other Users:
   • On the left, click on Family & other users (or just Other users).
4. Add Someone Else to This PC:
   • Click on Add someone else to this PC.
   • When prompted for an email, click on “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.”
5. Add a User Without a Microsoft Account:
   • Next, select Add a user without a Microsoft account and fill in your desired username and password for the local account.

2. Using Command Prompt: Change User Accounts Through Command​

If the graphical user interface is not cooperating, you can create a local account via the Command Prompt:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Create a Local Account:
   • Type the following command, replacing NewLocalUser and YourPassword accordingly:
     

     cmd net user NewLocalUser YourPassword /add

3. Add to Administrators Group (Optional):
   • If you want this user to have admin privileges, run:
     

     cmd net localgroup administrators NewLocalUser /add

4. Log Out and Switch to the New Local Account:
   • Log out of your current account; you should now see the new local account listed that you just created.

3. Use the Local Users and Groups Manager (if available on your version):​

If your Windows version permits the Local Users and Groups Manager (usually in Pro and Enterprise editions):

1. Open Run Command:
   • Press Win + R and type lusrmgr.msc, then press Enter.
2. Create a New User:
   • In the left pane, click on Users.
   • Right-click and choose New User....
   • Fill in the new username and set the password.
3. Log Off and Access:
   • Log off your current account and log into the new local account.

Final Note​

If after all these alternatives you still cannot create or switch the account settings as intended, you may be facing restrictions imposed by your Windows version or environment. In that case, performing a clean installation of Windows or contacting support for your Windows license version might be necessary.
Please let me know how it goes or if you face specific challenges during any of these steps!

 

[John Clark]

not clear on Using Command Prompt: Change User Accounts Through Command

 

[ChatGPT]

Let’s clarify the process of using the Command Prompt to create a local user account on your Windows system. This method will bypass the graphical interface and allow you to set up a local account directly through command-line instructions.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Create a Local Account Using Command Prompt​

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Right-click on the Start Menu (the Windows icon) or press Win + X.
   • Select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the context menu. If you see Windows Terminal, that works too.
   
2. Create a New Local User Account:
   • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command. Replace NewLocalUser with the desired username for the account and YourPassword with your chosen password:
     

     cmd net user NewLocalUser YourPassword /add

   • Example:
     

     cmd net user JohnClark123 MySecurePassword123 /add

   • Press Enter to execute the command. If successful, you'll see a message confirming that the command was completed.
3. (Optional) Add the New User to the Administrators Group:
   • If you want this newly created user to have administrative privileges, you can add it to the administrators group:
     

     cmd net localgroup administrators NewLocalUser /add

   • Example:
     

     cmd net localgroup administrators JohnClark123 /add

   • Press Enter to run this command as well.
4. Log Out and Switch Accounts:
   • After you have executed the commands successfully, you can log out of your current account. You can do this by:
     • Clicking on the Start Menu, selecting your user profile icon, and choosing Sign out.
   • Select the new local account you just created and log in with the username and password you specified.

Additional Notes​

• Usernames and Passwords: The username cannot include spaces. You can pick any username that meets your needs. Make sure your password is strong and secure.
• Confirming the Account: Once logged into the local account, you can check that it functions independently of your Microsoft account.
• Avoiding Typos: Be careful when typing the commands. Typos can result in errors.

Conclusion​

Using the Command Prompt can be a quick way to set up the accounts without relying on graphical interface options. After getting the new account created, you can proceed to set up Outlook based on that account without interference from your Microsoft account.
If you run into any issues or need more assistance during this process, feel free to ask!

 

[John Clark]

Have a stupid question. In setting up my original WIN 10 , my name under USERS is different than the name that shows up on the taskbar. which do I use? Understand?

 

[ChatGPT]

It's not a stupid question at all! This can be quite confusing, especially when the names shown in different places don't match. Here’s a breakdown to clarify which name to use and what the differences mean:

Understanding User Names in Windows​

1. User Account Name:
   • This is the name that appears under Settings > Accounts > Your info. It typically refers to the name associated with your Microsoft or local account.
   • This name can usually be customized and is more user-friendly. It might be your full name or a name you chose when setting up your account.
2. Name on the Taskbar:
   • The name that appears in the taskbar (next to the Start menu) is usually the username that was created during the initial OS setup.
   • It might be your actual username or a short version of your name (like a first name or initial).

Which Name to Use?​

• For Outlook and Applications:
  • When setting up applications like Outlook or when prompted for your user name, you can generally use either. However, it's often safer to use the full user account name (the one under Settings) as it's more recognizable.
• When Creating New Accounts:
  • If you're thinking about creating new accounts or configuring services, you typically want to align with the name that shows under Settings > Accounts > Your info because it reflects the account name you're associated with more broadly (especially for Microsoft services).

Conclusion​

Ultimately, any user-related configurations can generally reference the full account name unless there are specific cases (like system configurations) requiring the username shown on the taskbar.
If you're still uncertain or if there's a specific scenario you have in mind regarding which name to use, please let me know so I can provide a more tailored answer!

 

[John Clark]

As I stated before, a good while ago, on EMAIL & ACCOUNTS next to the win log is my email address and under that MICOSOFT ACCOUNT. Is that the user name?

 

[ChatGPT]

Yes, in the context you’ve described, the email address listed next to “Microsoft account” in Email & accounts is effectively your username for your Microsoft account. Here’s how to interpret this and its implications:

Understanding Usernames in Microsoft Accounts​

1. Email Address as Username:
   • When your Windows account is linked to a Microsoft account (like [email protected]), that email address functions as your username for logging into Windows and any associated Microsoft services, including Outlook, OneDrive, and more.
2. How It Works in Settings:
   • In Settings > Accounts > Email & accounts, the email shown signifies that this Microsoft account is the primary way to access your Windows account.
   • It is indeed the username you would use when logging into services, and it helps in syncing your settings and other features across devices.
3. Using the Email for Configurations:
   • Whenever you need to specify a username for applications like Outlook or when connecting to Microsoft services, you can use this email address for identification.
   • If you're ever setting up programs or accounts, such as when asked for your username or email address to authenticate, use this email.

Conclusion​

So yes, considering your context, the email under Microsoft account signifies your account name, which can indeed be used as the username when needed. If there's any specific configuration or example you're looking at, let me know, and I can provide further guidance!

 

[John Clark]

so I use the email to "make a new local account" or change my existing to a new local account? At this point I am totally confused.

 

[ChatGPT]

I apologize for the confusion! Let's clarify this step-by-step regarding whether to use your Microsoft account email when creating a new local account or changing your existing account to a local account.

Key Points to Consider:​

1. Creating a New Local Account:
   • When you create a new local account, you do NOT use your Microsoft account email. Instead, you'll create a new username that is not associated with your Microsoft account.
   • This new local account will be separate and will not sync with your Microsoft account. For example, you might choose a username like "LocalUser" or anything that is not your email.
2. Changing Your Existing Microsoft Account to a Local Account:
   • If you want to convert your existing Microsoft account into a local account, you can do this without needing to provide your Microsoft account email.
   • During this process, you can choose a new username and password to be used with the local account. Follow the instructions to change your Microsoft account to a local account, and it will not require the email for that process.

Summary of Actions:​

• To Create a New Local Account:
  • You can create a completely new account using a username of your choice (not your email).
• To Change Existing Account to Local:
  • When changing your existing Microsoft account to a local account, you will choose a new username and password. Again, do not use your email, instead use a name that suits you for local login purposes.

Final Steps​

If you wish to create a new local account, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add someone else to this PC.
3. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
4. Choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
5. Enter a new username (like "LocalUser") and password.

If you wish to change your existing Microsoft account to a local one, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Your info.
2. Click on Sign in with a local account instead (if available).
3. Follow the prompts to set up a local account, choosing a new username and password.

Please let me know which path you’d like to pursue, and I can provide more detailed guidance!

 

[John Clark]

change my existing Microsoft account to a local one.
Sign in with a local account instead is not available

 

[ChatGPT]

If the "Sign in with a local account instead" option is not available, that indicates a restriction in your current Windows setup or user account configuration. In this case, we should try alternative methods to change your existing Microsoft account to a local account. Here’s how you can proceed:

Method to Change Microsoft Account to Local Account Without the Direct Option​

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Access Accounts Settings:
   • Click on Accounts.
3. Family & Other Users (or Other Users):
   • Select Family & other users from the left menu.
4. Add a New Local User:
   • Here, take the following steps:
   • Click on Add someone else to this PC.
   • Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
   • Next, select Add a user without a Microsoft account.
5. Create the Local Account:
   • Enter a new username (like "LocalUser") and a password. Complete the prompts.
6. Switch to the Local Account:
   • After creating the local account, log out of your current account via the Start menu.
   • Log into the newly created local account to ensure that it works as expected.
7. Remove Old Microsoft Account:
   • If you successfully log into the local account and confirm that you have access to your files and applications, you can remove the old Microsoft account:
     • Go back to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
     • Find the original Microsoft account and select it, then click Remove. Confirm the action.

Additional Steps if You Need to Perform a Reset​

If you're still unable to convert to a local account using the above methods, you could reset your PC, which gives you the opportunity to set up Windows as a fresh installation and choose a local account during the setup:

1. Backup Important Data: Ensure all essential files are backed up to avoid data loss.
2. Reset Your PC:
   • Open Settings.
   • Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
   • Under Reset this PC, click on Get started.
   • During the reset process, select Remove everything to erase your old Microsoft configurations.
3. Follow the Setup:
   • After the reset, during the Windows setup, you will have the option to create a local account without needing to go through a Microsoft account.

Conclusion​

If the direct method to switch to a local account is not available, following these steps should help you create a local account as a workaround. If you're uncertain about any steps or if you encounter any problems, let me know, and I can assist you further!

 

[John Clark]

Item 7 - if I remove account, I'll loose my original data correct?
Assume that this is going through Accounts and deleting my original?

 

[ChatGPT]

Yes, you are correct to be cautious. If you remove your Microsoft account directly from Windows (under Accounts and choosing to delete), there is a significant risk of losing data associated with that account. Here’s a clearer perspective on this matter:

Understanding Data and Account Removal​

1. Removing the Microsoft Account:
   • When you go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, and choose to remove your Microsoft account from that section, you may lose access to files and settings that were synced via that account.
   • This includes any data saved in the Microsoft cloud (such as OneDrive documents), as well as email data if you were using Outlook configured with that account.
2. Local Account vs. Microsoft Account:
   • A local account is separate and does not sync with Microsoft services. If you shift to a local account, you will not directly lose data stored on your PC but might lose access to any data tied to the Microsoft account.

Recommended Steps to Prevent Data Loss​

Before proceeding with removing your Microsoft account or switching to a local account, here are steps to ensure you don’t lose any valuable data:

1. Backup Your Data:
   • Files: Copy any important files (documents, photos, etc.) from the account’s folders to an external drive or another location on your computer.
   • Outlook Data: If you're using Outlook and want to keep your emails, you should back up the PST files associated with your account. You can do this by exporting your Outlook data:
     • Open Outlook and navigate to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
     • Choose Export to a file and select Outlook Data File (.pst).
     • Follow the prompts to back up your emails and contacts.
2. Create a Local Account First:
   • Before removing your Microsoft account, create a local account as discussed previously.
   • Make sure that you can log into the local account and that it is functioning adequately.
3. Review and Transfer Data:
   • After ensuring everything is functioning on the local account, you can consider transitioning away from the Microsoft account.
   • Ensure that all important data has been backed up or transferred before finalizing this transition.

Conclusion​

Proceeding directly to remove your Microsoft account without ensuring proper backups could lead to data loss. If you're prepared with backups and understand what data may be affected, you can successfully transition to a local account. If any need for clarification arises, feel free to ask!

 

[John Clark]

In adding a new email account, does ACCOUNT NAME require the email address?

 

[ChatGPT]

When adding a new email account in Outlook (or similar email clients), the Account Name field typically refers to a friendly name for your email account rather than the actual email address itself. Here’s how it generally works:

Clarification on Account Name​

1. Account Name:
   • This is a label you create for your email account to easily identify it within your email client. It can be anything you choose, such as "Work Email," "Personal Email," or "John's Gmail."
   • Example: If your email address is [email protected], you might name it "John's Work Email" or simply "John Doe" for easy identification in Outlook.
2. Email Address:
   • This is the actual email address associated with the account that you are configuring. You will enter this in the respective field when setting up the email account.
   • This could be the full address, like [email protected].

Example of Adding an Email Account​

When setting up a new email account, here is how information is generally structured:

• Account Name: John Doe’s Work Email (or any name you want)
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Incoming Mail Server: outlook.office365.com (or the server corresponding to your email service)
• Outgoing Mail Server: smtp.office365.com (or the appropriate SMTP server)
• Username: Usually the full email address again (e.g., [email protected])
• Password: Your account password

Conclusion​

In short, the Account Name does not need to be the same as your email address; it's just for your organization within the email application. You can freely choose a name that makes it easy for you to remember which account it belongs to.
If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!