No I've never used the mail for that.
Funny thing is today I went to check mail and didn't have the network cable plugged in and it still prompted me for the password so I know it's a problem on my end and not the server. Also I have multiple email servers from my ISP, to my work email, to hotmail... each one has the same problem.
I'm so fricking confused and MS help isn't much of a help at all! LOL I'm usually the kinda guy that has all the answers when it comes to computers. Hmmm times a' changing.