Hey Bill,

Clearly I like this part of your response the best...

"For my concept though - not really wanting you to SPEND another dime -
you should be able to retrieve the data via odbc and go forth. "

I have really crude knowledge working with ODBC (I was able to set up a connection with FoxPro from Crystal Reports, so I get the idea). I don't know exactly which of the thousands of files in the manufacturing system contain the data. Then I SUSPECT I will need some sort of "permission" to connect with the server. I don't have a clue who/where I get this from. And the situation at the customer site doesn't offer me anything to go on. For now I'M their expert. I'm in the middle of the forest and I can't find any trees! I may be in way too deep here, but I don't have a clue even where they should turn.

Thanks for your help...past and future :)

Martha