This solution article provides information to users who are unable to attach a large file to their outgoing email message in Windows Live Hotmail.

Symptoms:
Users will receive an error,"The file is too large to be attached" when attaching a large file in Windows Live Hotmail.

What does the error mean?
This error is displayed if you are trying to attach a file larger than the allowed size limit.
If you have a Free account – you are only allowed to attach a file of size 10 MB per email message. If you have a paid account, then the limit is 20 MB.

What should you do?
You can try one of the following two options in order to reduce the file size if it is only 3-4 MB over the allowed limit:
a.     Try using a file compression utility, such as WinZip.
b.     Divide the file into two or more smaller files, and then send each file with an individual message.

If you are trying to send a media file such as a movie clip, there are slight chances that you will be able to compress this sort of a file due to its typical large size.

We would also like to encourage you to try Skydrive. Skydrive is a password-protected online file storage that is always available where you need it. Then you can just send a link to your files and eliminate any concerns about attachment file size or file types!
To learn more about Skydrive please go to http://windowslivewire.spaces.live.com/default.aspx
To get started with Sky Drive, please go to http://skydrive.live.com/