Windows 7 - Windows Live Mail incomplete downloads

Just did a complete software re-install to Win 7 Premium 64 bit. Installed WLM (That is Mail not Messenger) and proceeded to download, all I got was this month's mail. Logged-in through the MSN/Hotmail route and it is all there. Removed WLM and all storage files, one more download and there was more there but not even 20%. I've thought about copying them all from Hotmail but that could get messy. Any suggestions?
TIA,
Rick

I have no idea why it doesn't work properly but you could try a repair of WLE via "Programs and Features". Highlight the Essentials package, click uninstall/change at the top, and choose "repair" in the next window. The installed components will be repaired, including Mail.

Have you tried repeatedly "syncing" the account?
What if you delete the messages from the Hotmail website that are already downloaded (assuming you don't need to keep them all on the server)? Or what if you move the downloaded messages into a storage folder?

I performed many Syncs, repaired and even re-installed "Essentials" all to no avail. I also deleted my store files, all of them, hoping this would initiate a complete sync. Every time I D/L'ed mail after wiping everything, I got a month or two at best. I eventually logged in to Hotmail Live (through MSN), which I'm guessing is just Live but not installed to your computer. I then moved all messages (I have WAY too many) to the "Save" folder, this worked I now had all messages in either location. I then fired up my local Live and moved everything back to the Inbox. The weird thing about this whole episode is that it was just the Inbox that was affected, I had "Sent" and "Saved" files from way back.
Thanks for your reply, you can now add this to your "bag of tricks", if you ever see it again.
Thanks,
Rick

You really should keep emails that you don't want to lose in a separate folder from the Inbox, it was not made for storing and as you've seen can easily be broken resulting in losing your mail.
I don't know how much the Inbox can hold so perhaps it was full and that was why it couldn't download anymore.

I make new folders which are in the Storage Folders section of Windows Live Mail and move mail there if it's something I want to keep for awhile.

Thanks, I've already taken you up on your suggestion, I don't think quantity was a problem we are talking locking up at less than 100 e-mails. My full directory was many times that. (If you think that is bad you should see my Outlook account, LOL)
Thank you,
Rick

In WLM "sync" = "send and receive". When you tell WLM to receive messages they first go to the inbox of the account being accessed before any message rules are applied. So the inbox needs to make room fast for the new stuff that's pouring in. Perhaps that's what makes it unique any why it's good practice to keep it relatively empty.