A reader needs to access an inactive email account.
“I have an old E-mail account that I haven’t used in a long time, now I can’t get to it because I can’t remember the password.”
When you head to the website for your email client, you will almost always see an option near the window for the password for “Forgot my password” or “Can’t remember my password.”
For example, when you click “Forgot Password” on a Yahoo account, you can have a code sent to an alternate email or to your phone.
The trick is that you’ll need to have set up proper recovery information for the account as well kept your recovery email address and phone number current. Some accounts will also ask for security questions or other means of verifications.
Where you could run into a problem is if your account is tied to an old Internet service provider. Unlike Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook and AOL addresses, an account with an ISP like ATT or SBC goes away when you discontinue service with the company. Some companies, like Xfinity, will allow the email account to remain active as long as you keep using it. You can contact customer service for your former ISP to see what their policy is.