Hi. Hotmail is web-based, so if your web browser works, Hotmail should work. Makes no difference what website you go to. If the computer is slow it may need a fresh windows install, which is a bit of a pain, but it would fix many things. Another thing that can be done before reinstall is an attempt to "repair" the windows installation. If this was my computer, I would first and foremost get rid of McAfee and replace it with either Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) or some other free anti-virus like Avira or Avast. I would favor MSE, though. I can't tell you how many problems some of these McAfees and Nortons cause. I am not saying McAfee is your problem, but I wouldn't be surprised if it caused some of the damage. To remove any program you no longer need, use a free uninstaller called Revo Uninstaller (google it) instead of built-in windows uninstaller. Revo scans the registry after the uninstall process and removes the leftover crap programs like McAfee leave (they leave a lot!). Anyway, steps I recommend are:

1. Get rid of McAfee using Revo Uninstaller
2. Install MSE
3. Do a full scan using MSE
4. Attempt a Windows installation repair (contact me via email for info on that)
5. If 4. does not help re-install Vista (I can help you with that)

Good luck
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Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual