I've read several posted suggested apparent fixes to this problem, have tried about all the "fixes" and still receive the same error msg.  I've deleted the program (though it clearly is NOT totally removed) and reinstalled it - no fix.  Same error msg each and every time.

Prior to my problems, I did a clean reinstall of Win 7, loaded all the programs including email, and all was hunky dory, UNTIL I started updating everything thru MS update services - that's when, seemingly, my problem first popped up.

I cannot reconfigure my Hotmail account, it's all automatic as near as I can figure, so that option is OUT. 

Please, someone: How do I get this resolved, and I'm of the opinion it almost has to be done by someone looking at the server settings, as I cannot do a thing from my end of the spectrum.