Solved Cannot Verify Microsoft Account

Windows 10, Build 10240

My Account page says "You need to verify your identity." When I click the blue Verify button, I get a gray box that lingers for a few seconds, then disappears. If I click it again, the same thing happens. I can go to "Manage My Microsoft Account," and all seems to be in order. My devices are listed and my personal info are correct.

Similar problem when I go to Insider Hub. A gray box appears, lingers for a while, then disappears. Then I get a page that says "Please sign in and connect." "Try again" yields the same result. If I click "Register," it takes me to a page that says "Welcome back Insider" with my correct identification.

Have run sfc /scannow, and it reports no problems found.

I cloned the drive and upgraded to 10525, but the problem remained. I set up a new Local Account (as Administrator). I used that account to Remove my Microsoft Account, then tried to set up a new Microsoft Account. It would not allow me to do that. When I tried, I got the gray box again. It lingered for a few seconds, then disappears. I could log in on my new Local Account, but could not create a new Microsoft Account.

I reverted back to Build 10240, but the problem remains. Also, I cannot download anything from Microsoft Store. I can access the store and browse around. It recognizes me. But, when I attempt to download an app, I get the usual gray box that quickly disappears, then is replaced by a box that says, "Try again later. Something happened on our end." The only option I have to Close that box.

This system has lost its insider status and cannot retrieve it. When I try, I get the "gray box" treatment again.

This is my "main" system, so starting over is out of the question. I will just live with the annoyance until a solution arrives. Don't have this issue on any of the other Win10 systems.

Any thoughts or ideas will be appreciated.

Regards,
Russ

 

GreyFox --
I posted in the Win10 Insider forum. Maybe someone there can help.

I think it is something unique to the machine, because I have six other systems working just fine.

Thanks,
Russ

 

GreyFox --

Well, this is embarrassing. The problem is solved, but I cannot explain how or why. The things I did seemed not to help, and should not have fixed the problem -- but something did.

* I found some suggested Registry edits that might help the problem. Before I embarked on them, I created a Restore Point. They did not solve the problem, despite several attempted edits.

* I decided again to create a Local Account. Did so and signed in to it. I was not able to log back in to my Microsoft Account. Tried several times.

* Decided to fall back to the previously created Restore Point, so used System Restore to revert.

* When the system rebooted after Restore, the problem had gone away. I am no longer asked to Verify my account, and I was able resume my Insider status. I don't know about the Store yet, but don't currently care about it.

I will just add this to the already long, long list of things I don't understand. I guess that angry cloud changed its mind.

Regards,
Russ