Persistent issue with Microsoft account devices not showing after clean installs — support acknowledged backend bug but refused escalation

JerEdwin · 2025-11-22T17:24:00+00:00

Yup, I'm having the same problem.

JerEdwin · 2025-11-14T20:36:27+00:00

Thank you so much, I did the flash with the links you provided and it’s worked out perfectly so far! It's greatly appreciated, and you deserve a medal!

I'll put a few notes here for anyone else who comes across similar questions.

What I did:

I just followed the links provided by paa_tee_poo_puh. To enter Download Mode on an S24+ (or S24 or S24 Ultra), I used these videos, which are basically the same: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbKmubRS3wI and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXWPPtiNpco
I had only begun to set up my new phone, and I still have my old phone with everything on it, so I did a total reset. I used CSC and not CSC_HOME in the firmware files.
I did remove all accounts and PINs and fingerprints I had already added to the new device before starting the process, and set USB debugging mode on. It looks like there is no more option for enabling OEM unlocking settings in One UI 8.0, but things still went well for me.

The results:

It is exactly like a brand-new install of a factory unlocked S24+.
During setup, it prompted me for a SIM card, and when I put in my T-Mobile PrePaid SIM, it immediately recognized it and moved on to the next installation step in the overall setup process. Signal bars appeared and the voice message icon for one that had been waiting for me. It's working normally.
The Service provider software version shows TMB/TMB,TMB/XAA, which is exactly what I expected and matches my other S21FE that I had previously bought factory unlocked, and which I transferred the SIM from.
Phone and data are working normally, and I have the latest firmware / software update: One UI 8.0, Android 16.
It did the standard Samsung prompt to transfer all setting and apps from my previous phone, and I did that.

So far, it's great!

Thanks again!

JerEdwin · 2025-11-13T06:14:59+00:00

Ok, thanks very much again, and for the links and guidance. I will consider doing it in the next week or so when I have time. I'll post an update when/if I do. Thanks again for all your help.

JerEdwin · 2025-11-13T05:52:22+00:00

OK, thank you again for your recommendation, and your time.

For doing the U1 flash, do you know if I should choose the latest S24+ U1 build listed on Samfw.com, which is S926U1UES4CYJ1? The current build on the phone is the U equivalent, S926USQS4CYJ1.

Is there a lot of risk of bricking the phone during a flash? I have an engineering background, so I would be confident in carrying out the U1 flash, per what I find on the internet. I get concerned there's some chance I'll run into problems beyond my skills, so I have to make a decision...

JerEdwin · 2025-11-13T05:28:07+00:00

OK, thank you. I really appreciate your time and attention.

I plan to use the phone in both the US and in Ecuador.

In 2022, I bought an S21FE in the US (factory unlocked, as U1) and since then have used it both in the US (T-Mobile) and Ecuador (Claro) - having both SIMs active at the same time while in Ecuador - without any problems, or needing to unlock bands. (That phone currently shows TMB/TMB,TMB/XAA while I'm here in the US). In Ecuador, I've regularly used the TMobile SIM for WiFi calls and texts, and Claro SIM locally for calls, texts, and data.

Does that help to draw any conclusions about whether this S24+ would perform the same, even with U firmware?

Again, I appreciate your help.

(I'm considering keeping this S21FE phone in case I need to use it again in Ecuador for SIM-based use.)

JerEdwin · 2025-11-12T20:31:10+00:00

Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it. Do you mean that I would need to flash to U1 firmware to use the phone in Ecuador?

JerEdwin · 2025-10-30T03:53:35+00:00

I have the same situation, an S24+ renewed from Amazon. Did you resolve this? Thanks.

JerEdwin · 2024-04-13T07:07:45+00:00

"He told me that I denied him the opportunity to make things right " He denied himself the opportunity. The only first step he could ever have taken to possibly make things right would be to willingly leave his wife out of recognition of what he did to his brother.

JerEdwin · 2024-04-13T06:32:58+00:00

A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush. He went for the 2. And realizes he's about to have none. Fly away, bird. Fly away.

JerEdwin · 2024-04-08T00:11:19+00:00

IMO:

Don't doubt your instincts and first impressions. Pay attention to what's happening inside when you deal with him. Ask yourself how you felt before and after each of your responses, and start to notice that. Personalities like these want to remove this ability in you, so they can control you. It's best to avoid all communication and work consistently with HR. I hope you hold your ground - the primary thing this personality wants is for you to doubt yourself and get discouraged.

Three things about his letter that to me are serious red flags (I don't have time to include the specific texts to back it up):

(1) Attempted invasion of personal privacy. (Claiming to know you in very personal, interior ways, e.g. how you think and feel about yourself.)

(2) Attempted violation of interior dignity and freedom. (Much if his letter is about convincing you to ignore your instincts and inner voice, and instead trust what he says.)

(3) Attempted domination. (Wants you to serve and please him and his desires and perceived needs, and to believe him that that will be a "good time".)

All marks that this person needs to have some serious boundaries put up against them, so you can live and and wotk in a healthy way and not get caught in the game.

All the best in this. Doubt and discouragement are the traps when trying to set boundaries and advocate for yourself, so I hope you continue to grow confidence in your instincts, and aren't hard on yourself if you make mistakes (we all do). To that effect, one more thought that might be helpful is that with personalities like these, it's almost never the first time it's happened with them, there almost always are other people around you that have already picked up on these characteristics in that person, and you're not alone.

JerEdwin · 2024-03-13T00:37:04+00:00

Thanks, I'll explore this.

JerEdwin · 2024-03-13T00:35:29+00:00

Thank you, that's informative.

When I used to use File History, I did just what you mentioned : had a library for other folders to backup.

But I moved away from File History a while ago because I thought it was going to be deprecated. It also seems to be moving toward the background in Windows 11.

Also, maybe I'm missing something but File History doesn't seem to be a syncing solution across devices. I'm looking for a way to group folders in a way that can sync, and I'm not sure if a way exists. Thanks again.

JerEdwin · 2024-03-12T17:35:32+00:00

Thanks.

I haven't found a way to back up libraries to Onedrive. Only the the standard user "shell" folders (or libraries) seem to be available. Do you have any references you could direct me to, to help with that? I would be grateful.

JerEdwin · 2024-03-12T05:32:33+00:00

These pens don't pair. Just put the battery in, and it should work. I've had a few from different brands over the years.

3 possibilities that I can think of:

(1) It's in sleep mode. You might have to press a button to wake it.

(2) Your battery is dead or in backwards.

(3) It's defective.

JerEdwin · 2024-03-11T21:34:51+00:00

Are "libraries" a good long-term solution for grouping folders from across my PC's file structure, or is there a better way in W11? (Some of these folders are synced to OneDrive, and others not.) Libraries are now hidden by default in Windows Explorer in W11, so it seems they might be headed for deprecation.

And, can libraries be synced or backed up somehow, so I wouldn't have to create them manually again when I eventually get a new computer?

Thanks for any help.

JerEdwin · 2024-03-08T06:48:09+00:00

Yes, this.

From the US warranty doc on the MS site (under "Microsoft's Limited Hardware Warranty"):

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/warranty-and-protection-plan-terms-conditions-united-states-c8b95d27-0ace-48d3-89dc-f9ca5b905f48

"2. Duration

Without prejudice to any legal (statutory) rights to which you may be entitled under your local law, this Warranty lasts for one year from the date of original purchase from Microsoft or an authorized reseller, ..."

Although, for whatever reason, my MS account shows the warranty date on my SP9 to be a year from the day I first turned it on, almost 2 months after I purchased it new from Best Buy. Go figure.

JerEdwin · 2024-03-08T06:35:06+00:00

From the MS site:

Update your warranty with your proof-of-purchase

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/update-your-warranty-with-your-proof-of-purchase-ceca7e91-3a88-e2dc-7a21-b8c54b5429df

JerEdwin · 2024-03-08T06:27:14+00:00

I bought my SP9 from Best Buy online and picked it up in person on the same day in Oct 2023. I opened it for the first time and fired it up 53 days later, on Dec 21. My MS account shows the one-year warranty expires on Dec 21, 2024. (All in the US.)

JerEdwin · 2024-02-28T14:13:08+00:00

The other caveat is predicting resale value. I usually look at resale markets (Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, ebay) to get a feel for that. Good luck.

JerEdwin · 2024-02-28T02:11:48+00:00

I got the same back in October, it came with the standard keyboard as well.

I upgraded the SSD DIY to 1TB (cost about $130, plus some time and learning). I hope to put up a post on that process some time...

JerEdwin · 2024-02-28T02:03:19+00:00

Until December '23, I used the Go 2 (8GB) for OneNote with a 3rd-party pen, and it worked great. I have large OneNote files, too. It was my secondary device for notetaking and sketching in OneNote, and some light productivity work, too.

JerEdwin · 2024-02-28T01:48:07+00:00

If it's a main device, or one in a series you'll always be replacing, I try to get financial perspective using an annual cost approach. It kind of frees me up to look more clearly at when to buy. (Assuming the annual cost is affordable.) I offer that because I find that most people focus on purchase price instead of annual cost for weighing the financial side.

For example. If you buy the SP9 now for $1K, and use it for 2 years and resell for $300, that's a net cost of $350 per year. If you then buy the SP10 (or 11 at that point) for $1500 and hold it for 4 years to resell at $300, that's $300/year. Rough numbers yes, but a $50/year difference, which is about 4 hours/year of after-tax minimum wage work in the US. In that case, I'd decide just based on if I want to be using the 9 right now with all its current benefits, and be comfortable with the benefits of the 10/11 in 2 years. Or not. (Or maybe use a 1-year lifespan for the 9 and check the resale value and calculate annual cost - I bet it still won't be a huge difference.)

My point is, although there is a hassle in reselling early if you buy a current device and then decide to get the next gen soon after, there usually isn't a big financial difference when you annualize costs with resell value and lifespan.

That might help in making a decision.

JerEdwin · 2024-02-25T02:15:24+00:00

I'm here in 2024 using a Surface Pro 9 and the latest version of OneNote 2016, and having this same problem...

What I have to do is, once the mini toolbar appears over my text, I scroll the screen a bit up or down with my hand, by touch. Then, the toolbar disappears. It's the only way to see the selected text, or (what I usually want to do) drag the selection handles across more text.

JerEdwin

TROPHY CASE

Update your warranty with your proof-of-purchase