First, I absolutely hate Microsoft Accounts and everything they imply. With that in mind, everything I do with Windows 8.1 I try to avoid or hack around Microsoft Accounts.

Following the instructions provided in the this technet blog:

http://blogs.technet.com/b/pauljones/archive/2013/10/07/windows-8-1-mail-app-without-microsoft-account.aspx

I had hoped to gain access to the Mail App without a Microsoft Account.

Apparently, even this "fix" was snake oil.

First let me say, it's not that I can't sign into the Mail App. I can't open it. The entrance to the Mail App is purposefully blocked by the need for a Microsoft Account or some mysterious "Sign in with your work account".

The actual details needed to for that "work account" (is it an "Enterprise Account"??) are not documented and there is no way around it.

The instructions that Microsoft does provide tell me to swipe and open up settings... then add an account--like IMAP. That is impossible to perform, because the mail app is not open. The settings for the Mail App are not available and there is no "account" button to press yet.

So my question is simple. How do I fake the Mail App into thinking there is some "work account" that will open the front door and let me configure basic IMAP email, etc. You know, like in the old simple way that work for thirty years before the brown's at microsoft decided to change it.

Hi AnotherExtremelyFrustratedMicrosoftHater

if you are frustrated by Windows, no one can prevent you from using another operating system.

Your misunderstanding does not meen that the article give false information. You should have appropriate domain infrastructure to make use of it. Create an infrastructure and follow advice in article.

Hate emotions are the worst adviser and brings you to nowhere.

Rgds

Milos

• Edited by Milos Puchta Tuesday, May 27, 2014 6:44 AM

 How do I fake the Mail App into thinking there is some "work account" that will open the front door and let me configure basic IMAP email, etc. You know, like in the old simple way that work for thirty years before the brown's at microsoft decided to change it.

My best answer would be to suggest you use Thunderbird Email client.

However I have had success with a combination of the following Group Policy settings

Run the program "gpedit" (gpedit.msc) and after making the changes you can run "gpupdate /force" to apply the changes to the current logged in user, or simply restart the computer.

You can totally disable the use of Microsoft Accounts and the Windows Store, while still allowing users to make used of already installed Windows Store Apps.  

NB: If you want to use any Windows Store Apps, install the apps before disabling Windows Store.

You can still enable the automatic updating of Windows Store Apps, even when the Windows Store is disabled.

Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options\"Accounts: Block Microsoft accounts" to "Users can't add or log on with Microsoft accounts"

Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Internet Communications Management\Internet Communications settings\"Turn off access to the Store" to "Disabled"
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\App runtime\"Allow Microsoft accounts to be optional" to "Enabled"  (NB: allows the use of Windows Store apps even when the use of a Microsoft Account is disabled, this setting will be required if you want to use the Mail App)
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Store\"Turn off the Store application" to "Enabled"
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Store\"Turn off Automatic Download and Install of updates" to "Enabled"
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Store\"Turn off Automatic Download of updates on Win8 machines" to "Enabled"

If you want to disable Syncing of data, see;
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Sync your settings\"Do not sync passwords"

You may have to try connecting with few different email accounts, I was about to succeed with a Exchange account.

I agree with you 100%.  I've spent the last day just trying to get as much of this new computer working as possible without Microsoft's "remote permission" (aka account login).  I totally get their rationale behind requiring a login to download apps from the app store, but blocking users from the calendar and email apps for christ's sake??  I never would've expected this after purchasing a new OS.  Not even Apple does this...

Disagree.  His point is that preventing people from using something as fundamental as an e-mail app (or calendar) without setting up domain infrastructure or logging in to MS's servers is idiotic.  Yes, maybe he can use another OS.  But Windows is by far the most widespread OS on earth, for which there are many exclusive applications.  Using another OS may not be an option.  You might argue "then just use Windows 7."  Ok, fine, that's possible, but still misses the point entirely.

There's no reason to make people jump through hoops just to use an app that needn't have anything to do with your Microsoft account.