MSN appears to have created a new "service center" for MSN/Hotmail users at http://membercenter.msn.com/signin.aspx?ru=%2fDefault.aspx .

A log-on is required that should be the same as your "Passport" login (email address and password) that you use to access your email.

There is a "Get Help Now" at the top of the page after you log in.

If problems persist, this may be a place to get some help - although I can't give any personal assurance of what you may find.

MSN appears to be in the process of migrating accounts to new servers, and has come up with new buzzwords - "Live-Servers" and "Live-Search" and "Live Messenger," but in their typical fashion provide no advance warning to users. They urge that you install the latest "MSN Programs" but provide no information about what their new programs are or what they will do^**, but it appears to have something to do with "Vista compatible" server functions(?).

The site linked also makes reference to "Your new MSN 9" which is something I don't recall hearing anything about(?).

In previous such migrations, dial-up phone numbers have been added and/or deleted without notice, and call forwarding that they've claimed they have provided for deleted numbers has caused problems similar to those being described recently. Changes in numbers available have also sometimes caused some previously useful numbers to be overloaded, with dropped connections becoming frequent until enough people figure it out and select alternate numbers. If you're using dial-up, it may be worthwhile to verify that the number you're using is still a good one, and to make a note of any alternates available for your use in case the loading doesn't level off soon.

^** Announcements of "Live-XXX" things that I've received strongly imply that if I install their new programs my sex life will be positively enhanced; however my experience with MSN-anything programs implies that the only way such a result could occur would be if I should happen to encounter a wanton [desparate] service tech at their support facilities, as I've invariably spent much of my time there after attempting to permit any "MSN programs" on any of my computers. As all such support persons now appear to be located in India, and I am not inclined to pursue such long-distance affairs, I'm not sufficiently optimistic about their claims to have chosen any recent installations of their "MSN programs." My enthusiasm is also tempered by inappropriate gender characterstics and communication difficulties with speakers of ESL in all support persons with whom I've had recent contact.

The problems, for Jeannie at least, appear to be persistent enough to merit some attempt to get an answer from MSN/Hotmail people; but location and account type(s) make finding of useful support largely a DIY activity.

-oops - shouldn't use abbreviations/acronyms loosely:

(ESL = English as a Second Language)
(DIY = Do It Yourself)

John