Microsoft Authenticator App - Outlook Backup

Sir_George · Dec 12, 2021

I just recently tried using the MS Authenticator App and when I attempted to backup up my Office 365 - Outlook account I couldn't enter the password because it had been removed when I installed the app. I use MailStore and would like to know how I can solve this "passwordless" problem?

Bastet · Dec 13, 2021

How does MailStore save the messages/account? If it is asking for a password you might have to create an app specific password for that.

spapakons · Dec 15, 2021

You can also load Outlook in 365 and export all messages/accounts to a .PST file. When you install Outlook again, all you need is to setup your e-mail account again and then restore all e-mails from that .PST file. Just make sure to include all subfolders in the backup to take all data, not only the inbox.

Sir_George · Dec 15, 2021

Bastet said:
How does MailStore save the messages/account? If it is asking for a password you might have to create an app specific password for that.

Thanks, that's more effort than I'm willing to spend on the issue. I'll just go back to "Old School" and continue to use a password.

Sir_George · Dec 15, 2021

spapakons said:
You can also load Outlook in 365 and export all messages/accounts to a .PST file. When you install Outlook again, all you need is to setup your e-mail account again and then restore all e-mails from that .PST file. Just make sure to include all subfolders in the backup to take all data, not only the inbox.

The answer you provided doesn't address the issue. I have no problem backing up my Outlook account. The issue is that the 3rd party application, MailStore, wants a password when it runs. Since the MicroSoft Authenticator Application removes the password, I can't run MailStore.

spapakons · Dec 15, 2021

I am not familiar with MailStore, I cannot help. Isn't there any way to create a password again, so MailStore works as expected?

TheMystic · Dec 18, 2021

Sir_George said:
The answer you provided doesn't address the issue. I have no problem backing up my Outlook account. The issue is that the 3rd party application, MailStore, wants a password when it runs. Since the MicroSoft Authenticator Application removes the password, I can't run MailStore.

Microsoft Authenticator doesn't 'remove' the password. Without your password, you can't set up 2FA. It only allows for a simpler method to login with a tap on your smartphone.

With that said, some apps that do not support 2FA need App Password. This is not your regular account password. You have to go into Account Security/ Additional Security and then Create a new app password. Microsoft will generate a random password for you and you'll have to use that in place of your regular password. This will essential give that app unlimited access to your account, so use this only with apps you fully trust.

Sir_George · Dec 18, 2021

TheMystic said:
Microsoft Authenticator doesn't 'remove' the password. Without your password, you can't set up 2FA. It only allows for a simpler method to login with a tap on your smartphone.

With that said, some apps that do not support 2FA need App Password. This is not your regular account password. You have to go into Account Security/ Additional Security and then Create a new app password. Microsoft will generate a random password for you and you'll have to use that in place of your regular password. This will essential give that app unlimited access to your account, so use this only with apps you fully trust.

I really don't want to use 2 factor authentication on most applications. The security I already have in place is sufficient for my needs; which includes NORAD, all branches of the military, along with a few select private security firms... :wink: