Access Hotmail Using Windows Live Mail

A few days ago, I was trying to link my Windows Live Mail to access using my Outlook Express, but despite trying various methods and searching around on the website, I could not get it to connect to my Hotmail account using Outlook Express. However, it is possible with Microsoft Outlook, via the Microsoft Office Outlook Connector, but I intend to find out what other Email Clients can you use to access Windows Live Mail.

(click to find out more about Windows Live Mail...)

After a few quick searches on the Internet, it comes to my knowledge that Microsoft has actually provided a rather useful email client for users to access, known as Windows Live Mail (WLM). At times, it may be confused with the online Mail service, but WLM is referred here to the email client.

In the past, Outlook Express is able to connect directly to the Hotmail account. However, this functionality has discontinued. There were published articles on the websites that mention Microsoft has expired Outlook Express, due to its obsolete technology. As such, WLM is introduced. To install WLM on your system, below are some recommended system requirements:

• Operating system: Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (32-bit edition only), Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit editions), Windows 7 Beta (32-bit or 64-bit editions), or Windows Server 2008. Note: Windows Live Movie Maker is not supported on Windows XP
• Processor: 1 GHz or higher for Windows Vista; 800 MHz or higher for Windows XP
• Memory: 128 MB of RAM (256 MB or more recommended) for Windows XP; 512 MB for Windows Vista
• Resolution: Minimum 1024 x 768
• Internet connection: Internet functionality requires dial-up or broadband Internet access (provided separately). Local or long-distance charges may apply.
• Browser: Windows Live Toolbar requires Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or later
• Graphics or video card: Windows Live Movie Maker requires ATI Radeon 9500 (or higher) or nVidia GeForce FX 5900 (or higher).

With WLM, users can set up multiple e-mail accounts in one program, e.g. Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo! and more. It also now comes with a calendar. The application is combined with the ease of use of Outlook Express and the speed of Windows Live.

Installation Instructions

1. Download the Windows Live Setup file here (if the link is inaccessible, try this).
2. Run the installer file.
   
3. Choose the program that you want to install on to your PC. Select "Mail".
   
4. The setup program will download the essential files for Mail installation.
   
5. It will take another few more minutes to complete. The screen below will show up.
   
6. Finally, the Windows Live Mail installation is completed.
   

The entire process takes me about 10 minutes; the delay is particular due to my slow Internet connection at home. Otherwise, you should be expected to complete the installation in less than 5 minutes.

The first thing that I do was to connect to my Hotmail account. The setup is easy, just click on "Add email-account", and the rest of the process is a breeze.

However, there is one important thing to take note, if you have filled up quite a large amount of the storage capacity, download (and synchronising) the folders from the Account will take a few hours. So, just be patience and let the process run to completion.

Basically, this WLM Email Client is a thumbs-up replacement for Outlook Express. Furthermore, it's available for free.