Microsoft closes Hotmail to Outlook and Outlook Express users

By Steve Malone

Posted on 27 Sep 2004 at 13:20

From today, new users of Microsoft's Outlook and Outlook Express won't be able to view Hotmail emails for free. The company has announced that in future the service will only be available to subscribers of the MSN premium services costing $19.95.

Microsoft says that it has been forced to make the change because it has seen an increase in spammers exploiting WebDAV - the protocol that allows consumers to access their MSN Mail or Hotmail messages from within Microsoft Office Outlook or Outlook Express - to send unsolicited emails.

Redmond says that it has made the 'tough' decision to make this protocol - and its functionality for its email clients - subscription only. The change comes into effect today for new users. Existing users can continue to view their Microsoft Hotmail with Microsoft clients for free until the spring of next year.

Of course, MSN doesn't sell premium services in the UK even though British users of WebDav will be affected by the change. Microsoft UK says that there are a number of changes 'pending' to MSN, but is making no further comments on the decision at present.