C# checking Hotmail Inbox through HTTP

Question

I am looking for a fast way or a library to check a hotmail inbox using HTTP. Note that it must be through Http and not pop3 or Imap(that is not supported anyway). I need that because I need to connect to several accounts using Http Proxies that is not supported in pop3 sessions. Any kind of help is appreciated.

Thanks buddies =]

Answer 1

I believe it is currently not possible without simulating what the user would do within a browser. Easiest way to go is to use "VS2010 Test Professional" or "VS2010 Ultimate" abilities to record a browsing session and generate C# code which does the same! See here, it worked for me quite well out-of-the-box and generates readable code you can re-use in your applications

BWT, those seems to be the existing APIs:
- pop3.live.com, port 995 (SSL Required) for incoming mails;
- smtp.live.com, port 25 (no SSL) or 587 (SSL) for sending e-mail;
- Windows Live Messenger Contacts API (legacy) allows accessing the contacts;
- Windows Live Messenger Connect allows doing anything messenger can do;
- Windows Live Messenger Mailbox properties allow to see the number of mails and unread mails;

Answer 2

There is no official way to read Hotmail using HTTP(S). There used to be DAV but this has been phased out, here is the official statement:

Continuing DAV protocol retirement

Windows Mail & Outlook Connector both use a protocol named DeltaSync that is not documented.

Some people are trying to reverse engineer it like this guy: DeltaSync HU01 decompression code released, but there is asolutely no guarantee this will not evolve - in fact, you can be sure this will evolve :-)

So, you're better off with POP3: Hotmail and MSN Accounts POP3/SMTP Access