I have tried the suggested fixes in the "Cannot get mail - server failed" discussion board without success, although I am not entirely sure I was able to click on all tools as the new outlook account settings are not the same as described in Nov. 2012 (?).  I have not had any problems with my hotmail account until this week, and now ipad 2 and iphone2 (soon to be upgraded!) show this "Cannot get mail" message sporadically (e.g., may be okay first thing in the AM, then not).  Does Microsoft need to "adjust" my account somehow?

Thanks