Forgotten PlayOnline ID

[DanXP]

Hey,

I forgot my Playonline ID. (I use an imported PC version of FFXI) I know everything else including password, in game character name, and umm thats everything.) What do I do? HELP!

Thanks,

Daniel

[Hachima]

Do you know your POL e-mail and password? Try going to serviec and support on the pol JP webpage.

[AKosygin]

Well, that is going to be a problem. You were suppose to write it down on the back of the manual where they provide a space for you to write that information.

As far as I know, the only way is to call SquareEnix in Japan and say you forgot your logon ID. I think you are SOL if you forgot your ID. You may be able to get it if you have your CD/Game KEY, but the chances are getting quite slim.

Your account is like a car:
-- You forgot your password you can call SquareEnix to reset it, like calling a locksmith to jimmy your car door.
-- Forgetting your ID is like forgetting where you park your car, then you are in trouble.
-- The only way is to ask someone to look for it via the License Plate, and that is giving SquareEnix your CD/Game KEY.

[AKosygin]

Well, I will talk to my Japanese friend and see if he is willing to help you. If he is, then you are in luck and I will contact you via Private Messaging. If he is not, you are SOL.

Do you remember the other information? Like what you used to register your name and address and stuff like that? (Don't post it, just asking whether you remember it.)

[DanXP]

Hmmm that would be good...

All I know right now is my address i signed up with, my cd-key, my pol email address, and well I tried the POL login? on the pol website with my email address and the password I thought I had but I guess thats wrong so whatever...

There you have it. Can I be helped?

[AKosygin]

No, that is the support website, you need to go to Extra Services and sign up within the POL. So, if you haven't done it, you can't access it.

As for your information, the first things they will ask are:
-- Person's name
-- Person's birthdate
-- Address
-- Maybe phone number.

Usually they will ask for your ID, but if you say, you lost your ID, they will probably skip it and ask you those things instead.

But if you don't have it all, then you are really, really screwed. That is like forgetting where you parked your car (user ID), then forgetting what your car looked like (sign up information).

"Eh, I think it was a Ford Truck."

Unfortunately, it won't help. Sorry, but I think you need to get a new box. (Sadly, you may need to block payment on the credit card to stop the forgotten account. Then use another credit card for your new account.)

[DanXP]

Wait-a-minute. I just run file scaverger V2 on my pc because I did screenshots. Where is the POL ID located on the POL main screen? Also, anyone know of a good recovery program thats free? I would use file scavenger but the max. you can recover is 30k and my picture is 200k (of the main screen)

Just maybe, just maybe I can get my POL back. Also, is the POL stored anywhere in a file in the POL directory? Where?

Thanks.

[AKosygin]

As for where the files are stored, I have no clue.

However, I found this out:
If you try to guess at your information, you have approximately three tries before you are REALLY screwed, this especially applies to accounts that have had problems and are flagged. (We tried it on our own account, so this is from experience.)

First they ask you the account ID, then name and birthdate of person. Then if you can't answer it, they record that someone attempted to access your account data.

Then if you try again with that information, they will ask, in addition to the above, address and phone number in which it was registered along with the original e-mail address used to sign up.

Then finally, if you try again with that information, they will ask both of the above plus billing information along with credit card number.

And then finally, the last ditch is with all the above information, they will call you back at the number and mail you another confirmation at that address.

After that, you are kinda locked out from customer support as they will then consider the account suspicious. Of course, the above may be randomized. Remember, speaking English will give you away and the game is only allowed in Japan.

Lesson to importers: Don't lose account info and don't lose account status. And definitely record every data you used to sign up or you will pay the price. Calling customer support is never an option. (Unless you can speak fluent Japanese and can be very very very convincing.)

[DanXP]

THANK GOD FOR File Scavenger!!!

I know I made screenshots instead of copying down my info during setup, and I said I formatted. Well using File Scavenger v2 I was able to recover the files quickly and easily. I got my infomation, Thank you File Scavenger!

Thanks guys.

[AKosygin]

My recommendation remains: Copy it down so crap like this don't happen again.

You may also want to go to Service and Support and jot down what you inputted too.