Hotmail freezes up for hours

Hotmail and other sites requiring a Microsoft login have been out for hours for some users.

SEATTLE (AP) -- Microsoft Corp.'s free Web-based e-mail service and other sites have been unavailable for hours to Internet users around the world Tuesday.

Web surfers were unable to log onto Hotmail, along with other services that require a Microsoft (MSFT, Fortune 500) login, such as the Xbox Live video game community site and the Windows Live Messenger instant messaging program.

Microsoft confirmed the problem was international in scope, but did not say how many people were affected or when a resolution was expected.

"We are aware that some customers may be experiencing difficulty accessing their Windows Live accounts," said Microsoft spokeswoman Samantha McManus in a statement. "We're actively investigating the cause and are working to take the appropriate steps to remedy the situation as rapidly as possible."