1st senior citizen, not literate so please be patient . I have HO chrombook & 2 weeks ago everythin

[Wennypoo]

2 weeks ago Hp Chromebook went down. Had to restart everything.  Still having little trouble.  Went added t yahoo mail back it wouldn't accept password I just changed. I changed it again and now it's asking for my **bleep** address. When I input said already taken & gave me alternates. Is it taken by me ? And did hackers get into Chromebook,  we hy did everything go out

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Wennypoo 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I completely understand that you’re dealing with a challenging situation, and I’m here to help as patiently and clearly as possible! 

Let’s address your concerns step by step:

1. Yahoo Mail Address

• When Yahoo says the email address is "already taken," it could mean:
  • You already own the email address.
  • Someone else may have registered it, but if it’s your email address, Yahoo should recognize it once you sign in correctly.
• To verify ownership:
  • Try logging in with your original email address using the password you recently changed.
  • If you don’t remember the correct password, use the Forgot Password option on the Yahoo sign-in page to reset it again.

2. Password Not Accepted

• If your password is not being accepted:
  • Ensure you are typing the email and password correctly. Pay attention to capitalization and special characters.
  • Avoid copying and pasting passwords, as extra spaces can sometimes cause errors.
  • After resetting the password, check your email for a confirmation from Yahoo to ensure the reset was successful.

3. Chromebook Wiping Everything

• It sounds like your Chromebook might have gone through a factory reset or system update:
  • Why everything went out: This could happen due to a glitch, accidental reset, or corrupted system files.
  • If you suspect hacking:  Look for unusual changes, like new apps installed or missing files. If anything seems off, it’s good to run security checks.

4. Was the Chromebook Hacked?

• It’s unlikely unless you notice unauthorized activities. Here are some signs of hacking:
  • Strange apps or programs you didn’t install.
  • Emails sent from your account without your knowledge.
  • Passwords being changed unexpectedly.

5. Suggestions to Keep Safe

• Update Passwords: Change your Yahoo mail password once more, using a strong, unique combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Run a Security Check: Chromebooks have built-in protection, but it’s a good idea to check for malware:
  • Go to Settings > Security > Check for Updates.
• Check Account Activity:
  • In Yahoo Mail, look for login activity under Settings > Account Security.

I’m here to assist you further if something isn’t working or if you need more clarity. It’s my goal to help you feel comfortable navigating these challenges! 😊

If this solution hits the spot, please come back and click "Accepted Solution" to help others find the answer. And if you'd like to say thanks, select "Yes" on the bottom left of the public post, as that would make our day! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye