On 1st September 2009, Microsoft finally dumped the Distributed Authoring and Versioning (DAV) protocol that had previously enabled Hotmail users to access their email through Outlook Express, Outlook and Entourage. What this means is that people attempting to access their Hotmail account with one of these email clients after 1st September will be presented with an error message:
Hotmail – Sending reported error (0×800CCC33): “Access to the account was denied. Verify that your username and password are correct. The server responded ‘forbidden’.
Microsoft had intended to ditch DAV much sooner, but delayed their plans after an outcry from users demanding that DAV be maintained until alternative options were put in place. So, what are those alternative options?
If you’re using Outlook Express, Microsoft recommend upgrading to Windows Live Mail which, by default, uses the DeltaSync rather than the DAV protocol. However, it’s also possible to simply change the settings in Outlook Express to make POP3 the default protocol (note that there are some disadvantages to this option – in particular, a lack of synchronization options).
If you’re using Entourage, your only option is to configure the mail client to use POP3.
If you’re using Outlook 2003 or 2007, you’ll need to install Microsoft’s Outlook Connector. With Outlook 2002, you’ll need to change the settings and use POP3.
If you’ve been pulling your hair out in frustration at being unable work out why you have been unable to access your email, the information above should enable you to fix the problem before you are left completely bald!
