Microsoft grappling with Hotmail, Outlook, SkyDrive disruption lasting 7+ hours

Microsoft engineers are continuing to grapple with an issue affecting Hotmail/Outlook/SkyDrive accounts in a service disruption that began Tuesday evening ET.

Seven hours after news of the disruption first came to light, a number of Hotmail and Outlook accounts are still experiencing problems, though the Redmond-based company has reported that SkyDrive should now be running normally for all users.

“We’re having a problem accessing email,” Microsoft said on its services status dashboard Tuesday night. “You might not be able to see all your email messages. We’re working to restore service right now.”

An update made for ominous reading for Hotmail and Outlook users eager to access their messages: “Fixing the problem is taking longer than we hoped. We’ll provide an update [later]. We apologize for the lengthy interruption in service.”

At the time of writing, the status dashboard is indicating that Hotmail and Outlook is continuing to experience issues. It’s not known if all or just some users of Microsoft’s web-based email service are affected.

Of course, at times like this, it’s Twitter that many people turn to in order to let off steam.

“Over 8 hours and #Hotmail is still down, can’t wait to access my account to close it #unnacceptable,” one user tweeted.

“Seriously #Hotmail get your friggin’ act together. Still down after hours of no service. Seriously?” said another, summing up the feelings of most of those tweeting with the Hotmail hashtag.

The disruption has come at a rather embarrassing time for Microsoft as it seeks to promote Outlook, its brand new web-based email service that was only taken out of preview mode last month. Microsoft said it would be migrating all Hotmail users over to the new service in the coming months – provided they haven’t deserted the platform as a result of this current downtime, that is.