Hi,

>It's a one of, but they client insists that there is no option to output to disk in any format.

That includes my suggestion of capturing hardcopy reports to file? If there are any hardcopy reports then it can't be prevented....

>Client is clear that the data is theirs, however they are not on good terms with existing supplier (hence reason for move) and do not want us to contact them.

Fair enough. Seems to be ruling out a possible approach but.....

>Does that mean you need to "know" the fields in order to read? or are they stored elsewhere?

If the files are only accessed by the one application there's no need for information on file structure to be stored anywhere.

You didn't say whether you know what language was used for the existing app..
Are the records of fixed length or variable with a delimiter? If you can compare file content with on-screen detail then, with enough detective work, you should be able to work out the format. Just depends whether it's worth the effort....

Regards,
Viv