Windows Mail [doesn't work with HTTP-based email services?]

This is the email client that comes with Vista. When I try to set up an email account on it, I am told that it doesn't work with HTTP-based email services (such as msn.com). Prior to this machine I used Outlook Express on XP, no problem with HTTP-based email services.

What are my alternatives? Windows Mail tells me that Windows Live Mail is the answer. I don't see much difference between that and just going to hotmail.com. Maybe I am not looking closely enough.

Is there an email client for Vista that works like Outlook Express, that supports HTTP-based email services and local email folders? Or am I forced to read my email through the browser and store it all on "their" servers?

The system administrator where I work suggested Mozilla's SeaMonkey as a solution, but when I tried that just now, it has the same lack of support for HTTP-based email services. I don't understand why such support is so lacking. What am I missing, why is it disappearing, why does the latest Microsoft product not allow me to manage my email served from their own company (MSN)?

 

Mostly because you need to pay for their exclusive service. Yahoo, MSN, Gmail are all the same.