1) Download/Install Internet Explorer 5.0 or above (if you don't already have it)

2) Run IE and click Tools -> Windows Update

3) Download/Install Outlook Express VERSION 5 from Windows update page

4) Run Outlook Express, go to Tools -> Accounts -> Add -> Mail

5) Follow the wizard's directions to complete the Hotmail account registration

6) Set Outlook Express as your default email client. Click Tools -> Options and 
   click 'Make Default' button.

7) Then, at the top of the Options form, click the 'Send' tab and make sure 
   'Send messages immediately' is checked. 

8) Go to Tools menu again and choose Accounts.  If the Hotmail Account is not set as 
   the default, click the 'Set as Default' button.  Now, select the Hotmail Account and 
   click 'Properties'.  In the email address box, change the Hotmail address to your 
   AOL email address.

9) You're all set!  You can use the MAPI option for outgoing emails.  
   The MAPI option will use Outlook Express to send emails through your Hotmail 
   account and all emails will appear as if they were sent through AOL.