The technology giant surprised its customers when it offered the use of Googles browser as a bypass to malfunctions in its own mail server.

Finding it difficult to enter your hotmail account? Its operator, Microsoft, has an interesting solution for you: Try entering you account with Google’s Chrome browser. Since launching its new hotmail version of Hotmail Microsoft is receiving a lot of complaints about problems and errors which make the use of the free email service difficult. There are complaints about script errors arising and preventing writing new posts and some claim that they can even their account. Some users even stated that trying to logon to their account causes their computer to freeze up. The feeling is that Microsoft has launched a product full of bugs without checking it properly beforehand.

In response to claims about accessing difficulties, Microsoft suggested an intriguing solution: “Some customers noted that when they use Google chrome – they do not have problems”, said the company’s Hotmail support forum. Microsoft advises on the forum not to access the service through Firefox 2 or Safari 3 (which are actually obsolete.) Officially, Hotmail’s new version supports Firefox 3, Safari 4 and various versions of internet Explorer from Microsoft.

Microsoft’s proposal to use Chrome led to ridicule on technology sites which are bemused by the fact that the company recommends using a product that competes with it head on and is created by a company which is its bitter rival in several areas.