Windows Live Mail Beta Annoyance
General Thoughts, Personal Experiences, Personal Opinions, Preview, Web Services, Web Stuff, Webmail Service January 21st, 2006
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Tags: Microsoft
Windows Live Mail Beta Annoyance
I got inside the next major update from the software giant Microsoft’s Hotmail web mail service. The latest update is phenomenal and changes the way people access their hotmail accounts. The user interface has been totally overhauled as the company adopts the popular Web 2.0 technologies for Hotmail.
The company now calls it Windows Live Mail and it is currently in beta testing phase. It forms a part of the company’s Live initiative in which they are also going to include other services including online versions of MS Office components. However, Microsoft has clearly stated that Office Live is not going to replace the requirement of MS Office Suite but would instead compliment its services.
As for Windows Live Mail beta, two things have constantly annoyed me. First is the use of two mega sized images which are not technically ads but take up too much space. This is likely to be replaced by ads from the new MSN AdCenter initiative. However, if the placement of the ads is going to remain same, Hotmail is no way going to threaten the Google Gmail web mail service.
The big banner on the right side means that people with bigger sized monitors would be able to check their mails properly which are now represented in a three column structure. I have failed to find a way to access mail content in a larger sized window, so it becomes tough for me to check out HTML based mails, which are of a certain width. Gmail handles it much better and we have to remember the fact that Google Gmail is also under beta testing phase as of now.
Another major annoyance of Windows Live Mail beta is the fact that the interface opens up the latest mail without any user action when it is opened. This means that the first mail loses its Read status. This is a total unexpected behavior and is not replicated in their offline applications like MS Outlook, which they are trying to emulate with their new interface of Hotmail.
Update: Of couse, as the people below have already stated, Microsoft has yet not made Live Mail Beta functional in Mozilla Firefox. I can only dream about using it in my favorite browser, Opera!
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About
Yea, i hate the left side popping out and the adverts down.. its just too irritating!
I’ve been invited to get Live Mail Beta but I use Outlook Express and I’m happy with the layout.
Sounds as if LMB won’t work with OE.
I downloaded the Windows Live Mail Beta and hate it! How do I revert back to the regular Hotmail?
What do you mean you downloaded live mail beta? It is a web based email program, there is nothing to download
Re. comment #4.
Ok Keith, I didn’t dowload it, I just hit the link and switched….. However, you didn’t answer my question!
Ok Keith, I’ve switched back….
I thought the ads were over-done as well as they took up too much space. So I opened Live Mail in Firefox, used adblock and now it displays how you would expect any good web-based mail program to display.
I switched my hotmail to Beta, and now it won’t work at all. I keep on getting a “Cannot find server” message. It is very frustrating as I am not able to access my hotmail. Can anyone tell me how I can swtich back? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
How do i switch back after installing windows live beta? I hate it too!
You people just love to hate Microsoft. I have both hotmail and gmail accounts and I could give a flying f**k about google. Not everything Google does turns to gold, and Microsoft has done a good job with their updated webmail service. I am an Outlook user, so I can say I’m pretty happy with the Windows Mail interface.
Microsoft haters need to get a Mac, or get a life and shut the hell up.
yah, i got it and all it comes up with is cannot find server…now i cant read any emails, how did you switch back?
i keep on gettin the stupid “cannot find server” thing too! how does this thing work. im gettin so frustrated!!!
ANOTHER person only getting the “cannot find server” message after switching to the beta…can not view any mail …how do you switch it back..does anyone have any suggestions for us..its 2 days Im not able to read any mail. Emperor….if you think microsoft is so great..why dont you tell us where they put the option to turn this damn live email off so we all can start viewing our email again…Because ive checked everywheres..ive read all there help files…and nothing
I found a link which enabled me to switch back to regular Hotmail but I can not remember how or where I found it. Just keep looking in the Live Mail pages, it’s there somewhere.
Options Menu!
I can’t even get into my e-mail now! … Just says that page cannot be displayed… Does anyone know why?
FIX!!!
I was locked out of my email since friday night :(
I still cannot log in with IE6, but I can log in with the firefox browser.
The beta mail interface SUX in firefox, but it’s good enough to opt out.
also as far as I can tell there is no possible way to opt out without logging in, AND you can’t access the support section until you are already logged in. Stupid!! The support section says:
Seeing Page not found or other page error
If you see Page not found or other page errors, this is generally an indication of internet connection issues. Wait a few minutes and try again.
—————–
hrrvfs {at} trashmail(.)net
Disposable email expires in 2 weeks. OK, so if you have trouble still, ..how to say this… email me and I will log in for you and fix it!
where would I get the fowfire browser?… Do you think it’ll work?
firefox? here: http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/
I’m sure this is not the only forum receiving complaints about Live Mail. It’s hard to believe, that even in Beta format, Microsoft can have screwed up so badly. I guess I was fortunate enough to be able to find my way out of the mess, others who can not log in in the first place are unable to find the “opt-out” link.
It’s a beta mate. Beta is used for fixing out flaws. if it was already prefect, microsoft would have rolled it out to everyone already. :)
Jason if ur still around..what version of firefox are u running, im not able to log in with firefox either..but im thinking perhaps my version is outdated a bit…Im running 1.0.4
for those of u who made the suggestions..thank you so much….they dont work…but appreciate you taking the time regardless.
For those are you tryin to view ur mail box..you can do it by going to http://www.live.com and sign in there..but u still cant open up the mail…just view what mail is in ur box… nor is there the Option to OPT-OUT like other people here have.
version 1.5, the latest
With IE and Firefox open side by side, IE 6 doesn’t work, and firefox 1.5 does.
Worth it to upgrade to 1.5, might fix your email problem, and I’m playing with it and it’s an awsome browser.
Has anybody got it to work using firefox, or was that just for me?
opera lets me check existing mails. no attachments though. cant reply to mails either.
I tried fox fire and still nothing.. sent a support msg to microsoft but not sure if that’ll help… Thanks for the ideas though guys. Hopefully someone will have answers for us soon… keep ya posted
firefox didnt work for me either.
I’ve found that I can’t actually click on any emails in Firefox, and IE is no longer supported for Mac. So, if you’re using a Mac it seems like your options are to revert to regular HoTMaiL, or go over to a buddy’s house and check your email on that person’s PC.
Thanks HoTMaiL for allowing me to get out and go for a stroll more often.
Hey guys, I’ve got good news… I got into my html acc. by using a different comp… then was able to opt out. If you haven’t already tried to, I suggest using another comp. to access your html acc.
Hope this helps.. take care.
When you try to write a e-mail there is no space for writing and that is totally ridiculous.
Thanks for the waste of time.
Go to option to get out of that Work in Progress.
that’s right. microsoft has to consider the fact that not everyone is on a widescreen monitor and some are still stuck with a 14 inch monitor. gmail is in beta too, they have three different versions of gmail (normal, html and mobile). they are making email accessible and usable. hotmail is getting worse and worse.
Je veut revenir a mon ancienne boite de courriel hotmail. je déteste la version window live mail beta.
SVP Aidez-moi!!!
HOW CAN I GET OUT OF THE BETA THING, CANNOT ACCESS HOTMAIL!
OK, I downloaded firefox and gained access to my hotmail account. Does this mean I have to used firefox to access my account from now on? Can this mess still be fixed? Anyone? Please let me know. Thanks!
it sounds and looks like the software needs some tweeking
Great forum. Thanks everyone for their suggestions and ideas. You made my day.
I had the same problem - Signed up for Live Mail Beta and could not access my Hotmail mails anymore. Installed Firefox after reading this forum and hurray - could read my mails. Changed the option for Opting Out and everything is back on track.
2 lessons from the Episode : 1.Never use Beta for anything as important as your primary emails 2. Microsoft screwed up
TO LEAVE BETA AND GO BACK TO ORIGINAL HOTMAIL
when you have your inbox open in windows live mail beta, press options near the top right of the screen, scrool down and click the ‘beta opt out’ link and follow it!
on a seperate note, i cant quite believe hoe bad this beta version is
but the survey after you decide to opt out does appear to show that they know whats wrong with it!
Okay, I got beta, it worked great at school (IE v.6), but at home I use Firefox, and it will only display the ‘classic’ view without the goodies of pane viewing, etc. I guess they don’t want to build in compatibility with the enemy’s browser. Do you think that a firefox hack will come out with a fix?
I have signed up for windows live mail instead of the normal my screen does’nt seem big enough for it and i can’t scroll down as theres no scroll bar on the side,can’t read mail etc how do i get back to normal e-mail.don’t want live mail no more!!
There are a few things which irk me about Windows Live Mail Beta (in order):
1. The Drafts folder is useless because you can’t edit any of your drafts.
2. It’s soooooo sloooowwwwwwww.
3. The email editor cannot be turned off. What if I don’t want to send HTML email?
4. It crashes my browser when it loads sometimes.
5. There is no ‘mark as unread’ button.
6. You still can’t mark all as read.
7. The auto photo resizing. I don’t like that at all.
What I do like though (not in order):
1. Drag and drop; so cool.
2. Spiffy cool new colors, but I wish there was muted green, like my website.
3. The Reading Pane can be turned off. I don’t like reading panes.
4. The auto spell check; I take it that this is an Office thing?
5. The multiple selection function (ctrl/shift + click).
The lack of browser compatibility for me is its biggest drawback. Will it ever work in Firefox?
hey, I want to go back to old style but in option menu it tells that user will lose some space. I had 2gb space in old hotmail and same is in new beta version but I fear that going back might reduce it to 250 mb. did anybody lost any storage space and how much?
This beta sucks. I signed up last week. I use IE 6 and can’t log in, can’t opt out, can’t get any emails from hotmail any more etc. I just want it to go away and get back to my hotmail. Who knows how many emails I have missed over the last 5 days!
I get the following whenever I try to log in:
Sign In to Mail
The Microsoft Passport Network is unavailable from this site for one of the following reasons:
This site may be experiencing a problem.
The site may not be a member of the Passport Network.
You can:
You can sign in or sign up at other sites on the Passport Network, or try again later at this site.
Microsoft Passport Network
Account Services | Privacy Statement | Terms of Use
© 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
New to Mail?
You can sign in here with credentials accepted by the Microsoft Passport Network.
Sign up today to get credentials that you can use here and at other Passport Network sites.
I agree this thing is messed up …all i see is ads…sorrry i’m not “software” inclined but i do believe i just lost my hotmail box…i can’t access anything in hotmail…it’s jus a blank page and very VERY vERY frustrating
HELP!!!!
ok how do i get out????? …i don’t even see the options tab…someone help me please… email me at the_real_lil_kim {at} hotmail(.)com…it’s another email address ;) lucky me
A SIMPLE LINK TO OPT OUT OF WIN BETA LIVE
gosh what an ordeal …but i got out yay!
Others will be experience this but Splasha has the solution
when you sign in
and you see the link at the top http:/ ….
next to the “mail/”
paste
” options.aspx?subsection=9″
and follow thru from there …good luck
Thanks Splasha
Worked for me as well!
Why not just fix the small problems with Hotmail. Such as the spell checker etc , but no, they have to stuff around with the whole thing—I realise its only a pilot programe but they are definitely on the wrong path –thats only my opinion. Breath deeply guys Msn problems can be very very frustrating , breath in , Breath out—bye:-)
Ok sure… at first it looks great then it just gets annoying! Am I the only annoyed by the drag and select thing? Why get rid of the check boxes? It is so frustrating to right click then selcect an option, I miss just checking off the emails I want to delete and deleting them all in one simple easy click. This is really starting to get on my nerves, especially with a laptop computer. I now dread checking my email especially my junk mail folder…as I have to select each junkmail individually and delete them one by one..w.hose bright idea was this? Plus, now I can’t even open more than one emails in different windows.
Agreed with the above
It is just too slow and unstable, and any user should not use a beta for their primary email. It is my primary email that I use for business as well. Silly move signing up for this.
I am going back to regular Hotmail. It will be six months before Microsoft fix this up.
Cheers Mike, Telford, West England.
I’m another dissatisfied Live Mail customer, and for one main reason: it is so unbelievably SLOW!!! I have a 10meg broadband connection, and I am not prepared to twiddle my thumbs while it grinds from page to page. I’ll stick with steam-driven Hotmail until they pull the plug, then maybe change to Gmail.
John
UK
Hey! Does anyone have the same problem with me. I changed to opt-out from Beta to the “original”. But I don’t get my contact list back. Strange but true! What to do???
wen i went to the optiopns n switched back i lost my entire address book…!!!!!
it sed thr were no contacts in my addrss book…so i immediately switchd back…but i HATE WINDOWS LIVE MAIL…
pls help me…mail me at zaiba17 {at} hotmail(.)com
It does not stand any chance in from of gmail…
:(
Opting out of Windows Live Mail requires you to log in. If you can’t log in, it is probably a local problem or conflict between your machine and the mail application. Try logging in at another computer or using a different browser. Then click the (very small) options button.
If you are opting out because Windows Live Mail no longer works with Outlook or Outlook Express, you will need to completely deactivate Windows Live Mail. The last option allows you to revert back to regular hotmail. You will lose your increased mail storage capacity. Don’t confuse this with the option that allows you change to the classic hotmail view.
If you are opting out because for whatever reason you just don’t like the interface, select the option that allows you to use the classic hotmail view. You will still have the increased mail storage capacity.
Lastly, rather than complaining about the new interface which doesn’t hide the fact that it is an imperfect BETA VERSION, give Microsoft feedback. If you don’t want to give them feedback, switch to GMail, use a Mac, and spend the rest of your life complaining about everything mainstream.
I’d really “happy” to change back to classic view, but the problem is that i cannot even open my account. it stops right after i enter my pass and sometimes i even cannot open hotmail.com site. what’s wrong?
re: Comment by splasha — 22nd Apr 2006 @ 07:36 pm
Thanks! worked for me also to get access to the options pages. I am dialling in from China and found that I could get the login page with no problem but things got stuck after the verifying password stage.. things hung or just dropped out and became unobtainable.
I used the options workaround and reset the page layout to ‘classic’ view and lo! everything works WITHOUT having to Opt out and lose contacts, etc, etc. The support pages at live.com say that they know they are having ISP problems in China and ope to have them fixed ’soon’ …hopefully that means this year! :)
My first thoughts are that the LIVE version is working ok (when it works!) is a little better than the classic version but is just too slow and buggy.. apparently the next release was due this week, and fixes a ton of things..
It is SLOW. I switched back.
I have looked allover and can not find a way to get out of Windows Live Mail. I thought that I would get it but I don”t. I try to e-mail people and reply and nothing goes through. Get the message it will be reported to Microsoft. I don’t care about that I would like to be able to uninstall and go back to the old windows where I could always get my message through. Obviously I am not someone who is used to new things and without someone always showing me the right way to do things, I consequently frustrate myself by trying to do it just the way I used to.
I have downloaded windows live beta account and it is getting on my nerves how can i change back to a hotmail account?
sorry i have just realised what everyone has said but when i paste the options link it still does not work pls help me email me at brunette_n_different {at} hotmail.co(.)uk thankyou
please help me too! that options link doesn’t work for me either. I am so frustated and I really need to check my email.
I am be emailed at jphillip {at} pitt(.)edu
“When you try to write a e-mail there is no space for writing and that is totally ridiculous.
Thanks for the waste of time.
Go to option to get out of that Work in Progress.”
Couldn’t agree more.
Ok, I use, and have used hotmail for many years, just for the fact that its simple, and can be logged into from basically anywhere. I link my outlook express to it, at home, and use http from work when i need to check it.
Since signing up for the live beta though, I can no longer view it from my work machine. Which is just a crappy old ica citrix, windowsCE powered peice of crap! but hotmail used to work fine with it.
Now all i get, is the usual login, but then i get dumped at ideas.live.com or whatever with no mail, and if i try to view options etc, or accounts i get a browser not supported error. I did find a link to leave the live mail beta, and i did that, but still i get dumped at ideas.live.com instead of normal hotmail.
On a side note, since hotmail will eventually go to this live mail no doubt, once it is fixed, i notice in the vista beta the “new” outlook express, “windows mail”, no longer supports http mail servers, so i can only assume hotmail, when it goes to live mail, is going to discontinue support of “real” email clients as well..
Very disappointing.. losing the war to gmail i’d say.
Cheers,
fourgetmeknot {at} gmail(.)com