http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c561767d005f2210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD
You can just ignore step 1. I find using the followup email is the most reliable way to communicate with USCIS.
I also checked many cases that were delayed several years. Most of them have multiple approved 140 petitions. Most likely, USCIS has mis-handled/mis-placed your case...