A reader reported being unable to access Windows Live Hotmail and pointed to the Windows Live Help site, where other people have reported access problems in the last 24 hours. (I counted at least 15 individuals complaining in Recent Discussions threads dated March 17. A couple others report years of e-mail disappearing from their accounts.) My Hotmail is working fine. A Microsoft spokeswoman says via e-mail: "Last night Windows Live Hotmail conducted routine maintenance, affecting approximately 1% of Hotmail customers, that caused a temporary delay of mail delivery to affected accounts. The issue has been resolved, and mail delivery has resumed. Microsoft worked quickly to resolve this issue and has restored service for all Hotmail customers. Microsoft apologizes for any inconvenience this has caused consumers."

The company had a spate of sign-in issues late last month. Update, 2:19 p.m.: That was actually in February 2008. Here's a link to the latest Hotmail downage, which was reported by LiveSide.net just last week.