If you have an MSN account, you can call for assistance. Even if you can't be on line and on the phone at the same time, they can be helpful.

In the US the last number I have is:

Member Support 1-800-386-5550.

They have also used 1-877-645-7019 and/or 1-877-635-7019.

You should be given a new, current number if you call one of these, but I can't of course guarantee what MSN may do.

Previously these numbers gave an option to "press x for a list of dialup numbers in your area." On the chance that a different phone number might connect to a different server, you might try a different one if another is available. Note that "available" doesn't necessarily mean "toll free," so be careful.

If you have only a Hotmail account, the ONLY support available is via email (so if your email doesn't work, send them an email).

MSN has been making massive switches of users to new Servers, and has changed the allowed kinds of connection for many. So far as I know, most such changes were completed some time (a few months) ago; but they seem to like to screw around with it.

MSN has also been targeted with DDOS attackes several times in the recent past, although these usually last only a few hours at most. Most server problems seem to be the result of their own mucking about.

John