Hi:

if you go through MSN Explorer and creata an e-mail account with MSN, you can get 2Gb mailbox.

Here's how to do this:
GO to Start menu --> All Programs --> then click on the MSN Explorer (YOU MUST SIGN UP for a @msn.com e-mail from the MSN Explorer e-mail only)

Then follow the instructions to create a new account (click on I already have Internet Access ) and follow the process

for those who does not have Msn 8

download from here
http://downloads-zdnet.com.com/3001-2104-10119669.html

There is a possibility that this is not free but just a mistake. I have signed up regardless.

From my Hotmail account:

If MSN e-mail is as unrealiable as Hotmail is, then this offer isn't worth it. My Hotmail log-ins were rejected twice today because the 'server was too busy'.

aloha

I have been getting the server is too busy page every day for months, I have been really annoyed with Hotmail lately, especially at peak times (morning and lunch).

Yes, that does happen periodically but it is usually when they are making revisions to the program/system or whatever the correct word would be. Since they are undergoing a major change now I am not surprised that there are times when I have problems getting in. It usually only lasts a few minutes. I have had a hotmail account for around four years. During that time I have changed internet providers three times, from dial up to cable to DSL. Having a hotmail account so I don't have to change email addresses with everyone in the universe has been wonderful. I only use the "real" email address for important accounts and even then it can be a major hassle making sure all the addresses are changed over. For example, even though I changed my address with AA two months ago I am still getting emails addressed to the old email address. Hotmail is not perfect but it has worked for me.

Hotmail is bad but defintely not as bad as Yahoo mail. I am giving gmail a chance.

HotMail will be increasing their free accounts to 250 mb:

In addition to delivering world-class antivirus protection, you can also look forward to an upgrade in your storage capacity. In fact, you'll receive 125 times your current email storage with the introduction of a 250 MB inbox as well as the ability to send attachments up to 10 MB.

Also, for $19.95 a year, they'll be offering 2gb accounts. Same now with Yahoo, but 100 mb for the free version.

That along with Google rolling out slowly their free 1gb gmail accounts, it seems that soon you'll be able to back-up your hard drives on these webmail accounts.

I tried but I ended up with another 2mb account....