How to Access Windows Live Hotmail with Outlook

Windows Live Hotmail (like MSN Hotmail) is great, and Outlook is great, too.

But Windows Live Hotmail working with Outlook, available for paying subscribers of Windows Live Hotmail, is really great. You can send and receive emails through your Windows Live Hotmail account from within Outlook, and you can archive messages locally.

Access Free Windows Live Hotmail in Outlook 2003 and Outlook 2007

To set up a free Windows Live Hotmail account in Outlook:

• ›› Step by Step Screenshot Walkthrough

• Download and install Microsoft Office Outlook Connector.
• Select Outlook Connector | Add a New Account... from the menu in Outlook.
• Type your Windows Live Hotmail address under E-mail address:.
• Enter your Windows Live Hotmail password under Password:.
• Type your name under Name:.
• Click OK.
• Click OK again.
• Restart Outlook.

As an alternative to Outlook Connector, you can try one of the tools that allow you to access web-based email accounts via any POP or, sometimes, IMAP account such as Outlook. FreePOPs, for example, usually works well.

Access Windows Live Hotmail with Outlook 2000 and 2002

To configure Outlook to access your existing Windows Live Hotmail account (you can't set up a new account from within Outlook):

• ›› Step by Step Screenshot Walkthrough

• Make sure you have an subscription for the Windows Live Hotmail account you want to access offline.
• Select Tools | E-mail Accounts... from the menu in Outlook.
• Make sure Add a new e-mail account is selected.
• Click Next.
• Choose HTTP as the Server Type.
• Click Next again.
• Enter your account details in the E-mail Accounts dialog box:
  • Type your full name under Your Name:.
  • Type your Windows Live Hotmail address under E-mail Address:.
  • If Outlook has not entered it for you automatically, type your Hotmail email address User Name:.
  • Type your Windows Live Hotmail password under Password:.
  • Select Hotmail in the HTTP Mail Service Provider box.
• Click Next.
• Click Finish.