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Hotmail accounts do not have POP3 email access, it is possible to check one's own e-mail using Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express on PC and Microsoft Entourage on Mac, using the WebDAV protocol and an extension for Mozilla Thunderbird. While this service was free for a number of years, Microsoft announced on September 27, 2004 that they were making it a subscription-only service for new users immediately and existing users from April 2005. However, existing users are still able to access their Hotmail accounts via this protocol for free as of August 2006. It is unclear if or when Microsoft will revoke this feature as many users rely on this function. Users can get around this restriction however, by using software that simulates a POP server to which the e-mail application connects. FreePOPs 1 is an example of a free software application that allows email clients access to webmail services through POP3. POP3 access had been granted at one point in Hotmail's history, and legacy account holders can still access POP3 settings. This allows mail from other accounts to be accessed through Hotmail using the "POP mail" button located on the Hotmail toolbar.
Now There is a New Service in beta (geek speak for testing) called Windows Live Mail Desktop which allows access on its desktop client to free or paid MSN Hotmail/Windows Live Mail accounts. However if you have a free account an ad will be displayed. It is avaviable for direct sign up in the United States and United Kingdom
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