Outlook and Windows Live Hotmail

[Dazzer]

I used to use hotmail via Outlook Express, but the techies at work have removed Outlook Express from the new PCs. I do have the latest Outlook though. But it looks like I can only use it if I convert my hotmail accounts to Windows Live hotmail. I'm certainly not going to opt for the paid accounts.
If I upgrade to the free Windows Live Mail accounts, will these work with Outlook Express, which I use at home? Or with Outlook 2000 which is version I have of that at home?
And will a transfer to Windows Live Mail accounts keep all my messages going back 10 years or so and my .com mail address?

Dazzer

[mojo]

I still use outlook to access my hotmail account and i have no problems. Have you tried just setting it up to see what happens? It seems like on the older accounts we're grandfathered in and don't have to pay extra to get outlook access.

[Force Flow]

It looks like you would've been grandfathered in if the account was created before September 27, 2004.

If you leave it as regular hotmail, it should continue to work. I don't know what would happen if you upgrade to Windows Live Hotmail...I've been curious myself since I have an old account like yours.