Microsoft working on fix for Gamertag issue

Microsoft has announced that it is working on a solution to fix the expired email problem that's been preventing users from renewing their Gold membership to Xbox Live.

In a statement issued by Major Nelson, in response to the story broken by GamesIndustry.biz earlier this week, it has emerged that a gamer's achievement points can be recovered from an expired account, as long as they still remain on the Xbox 360's hard drive.

Previous advice from Microsoft customer support had recommended that the only solution to the issue was for a user to start afresh with a new Gamertag, explaining that achievements and friends lists weren't transferable.

But now the corporation is working on a solution that will enable users to link their Gamertags to new Windows Live IDs should their existing one become dormant through inactivity, meaning users will therefore not need to set up a new Gamertag.

The full message from Major Nelson is reprinted below:

"Windows Live IDs and Gamertags

I want to take a moment to talk about Windows LIVE IDs and Gamertags. Recently, there have been a few stories about Gamertags becoming unrecoverable. I want to set the record straight, and let you know what is going on, and what we're doing about it.

What happens:

In the rare case that you DO NOT sign in to Xbox.com or another website that uses Windows LIVE ID (like Hotmail) it is possible that your Windows LIVE ID expires (goes dormant.)

An Xbox LIVE Gamertag is unrecoverable from the system only when the associated Windows Live ID has become dormant and the Gamertag has been deleted from all Xbox 360 consoles.

Members with dormant Windows Live IDs can continue to enjoy the benefits of their Xbox LIVE Gamertags on their Xbox 360 consoles, including earning Achievements; however, they will not be able to use their expired Windows Live IDs for activities such as account management on Xbox.com.

It is important to note that an Xbox LIVE Gamertag is unrecoverable from the system only when the associated Windows Live ID has become dormant and the Gamertag has been deleted from all Xbox 360 consoles.

What you can do to prevent having any problems:

We recommend that people log into their Windows Live ID on Xbox.com or Xbox LIVE Marketplace on the Web at least once every four months.

What we're doing:

We are actively working on an update that will allow you to link your Gamertag to a new Windows Live ID if one becomes dormant.

If anyone should have an issue regarding their Xbox 360 or Xbox LIVE account should visit xbox.com/support so we can assist you."

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...gamertag-issue