How to Configure Hotmail for Outlook

Though they may sound similar and are both Microsoft products, Outlook and Outlook Express are two very distinct programs. You can use either of them with your Hotmail account, but the configuration process is slightly different for each. You may hear that it's necessary to upgrade to a paid Hotmail Live account in order to a use it with Outlook, but the truth is that you merely need to install an extra piece of software--the MS Office Outlook Connector. Once that's installed, it's simple enough to configure Hotmail for Outlook 2003 or 2007. Use with Outlook 2002 is even simpler.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Outlook 2002, 2003 or 2007
• Hotmail or Windows Live Hotmail Account
• MS Office Outlook Connector

Configure Hotmail for Outlook 2002

1. Launch Outlook from your Start bar or via your desktop shortcut.

2. Go to Tools, then Email Accounts and select "Add New Account." The wording may differ slightly, but the gist is the same. Choose the option that allows you to add a new email address. Click "Next."

3. Choose HTTP as your server type and click "Next."

4. Enter your name as you would like it to appear when your contacts receive email from you (in the Name box).

5. Provide your Hotmail account information when prompted for email address and password. Click "Next" and then "Finish."

Install and Configure Outlook Connector

6. Close out of Outlook if it's currently running. In fact, it's a good idea to close all running applications when installing new software.

7. Confirm that your Hotmail account is a Windows Live account. If it's not, you can either open a new account or upgrade your existing account. You can do this by simply choosing the "Join Windows Live Hotmail" link that appears when you log in to your email account.

8. Download Microsoft Office Outlook Connector from the Microsoft website (see Resources below).

9. Run the file when it finishes downloading and follow the installation wizard to complete installation.

10. Launch Outlook. The Outlook Connector will open a window prompting you to provide your account information (email address, password and name). Type all this information and hit "OK."

11. Look for your Window Live Hotmail account in the navigation pane. The server settings should be configured for you. All you will have to do is configure any custom settings.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that you can also upgrade an MSN email account to a Windows Live Hotmail account.

Resources

• Download MS Office Outlook Connector