Well, it is stupid question time, I guess. If I send an e-mail to an e-mail address and it does NOT 'bounce back', can I assume that the e-mail address is valid and that the owner is away, sick, dead, whatever or has simply deleted the e-mail or read it without answering?? I am asking because the e-mail address(es) are a few years old and I don't know if they are active for not. Thanks....

Undelivered e-mail does not always result in a 'bounce back'. See this article

Hi edallen,

I can only comment on what I actually use, and Yahoo mail (free), "does not yet have a Return Receipt feature".

Regards

Also, if you sent it to web based email addresses (hotmail, yahoo, etc). They may not longer use that email address, they will put the account on hold (can't access it, unless you sign up again), but email will still be delivered.

Thanks for the info from all of you.