[Computer Corner]

So sorry to hear about this. Once you get to this point, it can be a nightmare to get back.. hopefully this reply will offer you information that might help you.. and just as importantly, help readers think about how they can avoid this pain.

The very first thing you should do, is try to reset, or recover your password.. to do that look just below the sign in box for text that reads 'Can't Sign In' From here you can attempt to 'reset' your password, using recovering methods that you (should have) setup when you created your Gmail Account. The system can send you a text, or an email to a alternative email address that you listed when you setup your account.... Or at least should've :-/

But, if your like most people... and you didn't supply a mobile number, or alternate email address this article is for you...

If you are already locked out of your Gmail account, like "kittygilchrist" is, the first thing to do is visit the Gmail help page that tells you what to do if you cannot access Gmail. From here, choose, "My account has been compromised" and you will be directed to the Gmail account recovery form.
This is probably what ""kittygilchrist"" has done.. if not, try it now.. But be warned.. the recovery form asks for very detailed information about your Gmail and Google usage in order to verify that you are actually the owner of an e-mail account, not some asian hacker, or robot. If you're already locked out, be prepared to start thinking long and hard about what Google services you use and when you started using them(sorry "kittygilchrist").

For example, when did you start using: Google Docs, Google Checkout, YouTube, Blogger and several other Google tools? You'll also need to know the account creation date, last successful login and the last password you remember.

If this sounds like a lot of info, it is. But it is in place to protect your account from being stolen using the Google account recovery tool. We've helped a lot of people who were disconnected from his e-mail, contact lists, order numbers, financial data and more. Of course the very first thing we help them do after we gain access is take basic steps toward account safety, adding a phone number and an alternate e-mail to their account.

If you're as alarmed about losing access to Gmail as you should be, you'll want to follow these steps to make sure you can recover your account if it is compromised in the future.

First off, remember all that information we just said you would need access to? Find it and write it down someplace safe. Don't store it in your Gmail account.

Finding some of the information is a bit tricky, but thankfully Digital Inspiration has listed a few ways to help you find the details by using the search operators in Gmail. It is much easier to figure out the five people you e-mail the most, your custom tags, who invited you to Gmail and when you started various Google services when you still have the ability to search Gmail.

In all, the process might take 15-20 minutes, but the effort will be well worth it if your account is ever compromised. While you're thinking about security, make sure you have a strong password that you don't use on other websites as your Gmail password. If you need help remembering it, check out our website, (Central Florida Geek- Computer Repair, Web-Design, Home Theater, iPhone repair, and More! - Technology Specialist, Affordable Computer Services Leesburg and Mt. Dora) Where we will soon be posting a blog article on best practices when it comes to passwords!

#Eddie B., CEO of CflGeek.com llc.
Local Computer Service and More!!