So IMail randomly selects one of the four MX hostnames.
the querier, Imail, should select the "first" MX in the DNs response, then query for its A record, and similarly select the "first" A record in the response packet.
The order of the records in the DNS packets is determined by the NS used by Imail, not by MS's NSs. Windows' local DNS caching should always be turned off in (especially mail) servers so it doesn't interfere with "normal" DNS resolution.
All the MX's at a given preference level should be tried before trying a lower preference level.
The load distribution resulting from the above should allow IMail to eventually find a A record that is working. Success depends on how Imail has implemented its won resolution, not on DNS.
Overcoming non-delivery by playing games with Imail's local hosts file seems really unproductive, as you will probably have to keep playing with the hosts file as a good IP goes bad, etc, etc, until (if) hotmail fixes their screwed up mail system.
Len
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