G'day Ernie, it appears to be a general maintenance problem with
Windows Live in that they are doing something to there system. Have a look at the following hyper-link and you may see answers to the problem posted there. I have never used Hotmail and know little about it but I
think you can open it in Outlook Express, however you would need to be able to setup your account in that mail programme, failing that go to
Rics Computer Emporium,
Click Here register and ask them if they can help with the problem.
Windows Live Help Click Here