TB

Here the answer I got from HOTMAIL support. And it did work. My problem
was ZoneAlarm. But it had been installed for two weeks before this
happened.
Evidently Hotmail was at work changing things once again. Here's there
answer:

Edward, please note that in order to stop incoming & outgoing Spams, we have
recently implemented this character identification process called Human
Interactive Proof (HIP) validation. This security measure helps to make it
very difficult for Spammers to employ automated programs that use the Hotmail
system to send unsolicited e-mail.

However, this issue could also occur due to the following reasons:

1. Corrupt browser settings.
2. Firewall or Antivirus software installed on your computer.

I suggest you follow some browser resetting steps provided below in order to
reset your browser software:

Lower the "Security" settings:

a. In Internet Explorer, on the "Tools" menu, click "Internet Optionsb.
Click "Security"c. Click "Default Level" d. Verify that the slider is set to
"Medium". If it is not, drag the slider to "Medium" by clicking on it and
moving the cursor to the appropriate directione. Click "OK"

Accept all cookies from Hotmail and associated MSN sites:

1. In Internet Explorer, click the Tools menu 2. Select Internet Options 3.
Click the Privacy tab4. Click Sites 5. Type the domain hotmail. com into the
Address of Website box and click the Allow button
6. Repeat step 5 for the domain msn.com and passport.com7. Click OK to
accept the changes

Also as a workaround, temporarily disable the Firewall or Antivirus software
installed on your computer.

We have discovered that 3rd party software programs like Zone Alarm Pro can
interfere with your ability to successfully complete the verification
process. If you are using Zone Alarm, following the steps below may help you
resolve the issue:

1. Open Zone Alarm2. Click "Privacy"3. Click the "Site List" tab4. Click "Add"

In the pop-up window enter the following URL: <http://www.hotmail.com>.
Click "OK" and click "Add"In the pop-up window enter the following
URL:<http://www.passport.net> and click "Add"In the pop-up window enter the
following URL: <http://www.msn.com> and click "Add"

Find the URL you just entered listed under "Site" and follow the row to the
red X under the column called "3rd Party" under Cookie Control

1. Right click on the red X and choose "Options"2. Uncheck the box next to
"Block 3rd Party Cookies" 3. Click "OK"

Please go through the facts and tips about the Human Interactive Proof
validation process listed below, which may provide you with some good
information:

1. It is possible to receive multiple challenges in a day or every few days.

2. You need to correctly enter the text on the screen before you can access
your account. If you cannot clearly see the characters, please click the
Refresh button to view a different picture. If you are still experiencing
difficulty in reading the picture, click the Sound button. This will bring up
an audio file that will play the numbers and letters you are supposed to
enter to ensure what you are entering is correct.

3. If you were writing a message that contained an attachment, you will need
to reattach it to your original message.

If you are using a browser other than Internet Explorer, please refer to the
Help section of it.


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