If you don't use your Windows Live Hotmail account regularly, be aware that Microsoft will delete it after a certain period of inactivity.

After 270 days (about 8 and a half months) of no access, a Windows Live Hotmail account becomes inactive. This means that all messages stored in the account are deleted and no new email is accepted.

People who send email to an inactive Windows Live Hotmail account will have their message bounced back as a failed delivery. However, you can still use your account name and password to log in to Windows Live.

After 360 days (five days less than a normal year) of inactivity, a Windows Live Hotmail account is permanently deleted. If you do not use your Windows Live ID (your Windows Live Hotmail email address) for 365 days (about a year), it can also be permanently deleted. Someone else can take over your Windows Live Hotmail address.