I use hotmail and haven't had any problems.

I too use hotmail. have for years and years (and years)
I have never had problems, but then again I just may have never noticed.

I've used Hotmail for around 10 years and have had no problems. I change my password every once in a while just to maintain security.

I have a hotmail account just for junk mail. I do NOTHING through hotmail. So many sites want a valid email address and that is what I use the hotmail one for. Never give out my personal email to any company whatsoever. Besides, I don't put any important information on my computer at all either. :) Sorry you had so much trouble.