Microsoft to Disable Retrieving Hotmail Email via Outlook/Outlook Express

[Justin]

Just tried to do a send and recieve in my Outlook on all my accounts including my hotmail one and just got this message, it seems that Microsoft are trying to force hotmail users to upgrade.

Could not connect to Hotmail as xxxx@hotmail.com.

Hotmail no longer allows email access via Outlook Express for free email accounts.

Please visit http://www.hotmail.com/oe to learn more.

Account: 'Hotmail',

Server: 'http://services.msn.com/svcs/hotmail/httpmail.asp', Protocol: HTTPMail, Server Response: 'Access to Hotmail via Outlook and Outlook Express now requires a subscription. Please sign up at http://upgrade.msn.com', Port: 0, Secure(SSL): No, Error Number: 0x800CCCF6

Word is accounts are having this disabled bit by bit so just because mine is giving this message, it doesn't mean yours will yet, but it will in the future.

[kmount]

Hotmail just isnt the "free" enterprise it used to be.

[donegal]

Originally Posted by Justin

Just tried to do a send and recieve in my Outlook on all my accounts including my hotmail one and just got this message, it seems that Microsoft are trying to force hotmail users to upgrade.

Word is accounts are having this disabled bit by bit so just because mine is giving this message, it doesn't mean yours will yet, but it will in the future.

It's another way of M$ screwing more money out of people. It follows the industry pattern. Get something for free (eg antivirus prog) download the free virus sigs for so long, then suddenly say it's not supported anymore and you have to purchase.

mick

[aos101]

You should move over to GMail if you want POP3 access, as they now offer that free (and its an SSL connection).

[Justin]

Thats not the point though, the only reason I was keeping my hotmail address was because I've had it so many years, the fact that it offered retrevial via Outlook was the only reason I was keeping it, now I'll just stop using it and stick to my f2s/domain addresses.

[aos101]

Fair enough. I just hope Google don't suddenly start charging for POP3 access to email accounts as it is very useful to be able to download the mail and view it in whatever program you want.

[kmount]

I didnt realise gmail was pop3. Even better.

[windie]

I have just accessed my hotmail from Outlook express without any issue, maybe they are just trying to find out if there are going to be a lot of complaints about this, or if they just haven't reached me in there rollout yet!!!