Since it is a compound document, it may be linked to another document (i.e. file) rather than having the document embedded in it. If this is the case, the containing document will appear to be empty.

I don't believe it's a compound document (and don't think I said so), the user really doesn't have the knowledge to do such linking or embedding. Checking the hex of the file shows no filename buried in it.

The user has no just come back to me saying there is a print of the notice that the file name refers to (see this post), would you believe it on the hall doors in question , so is happy to recreate it.

Thanks for all the thoughts though, it's given me a useful insight into some more software that's out there.

In reply to a post by cheshire_man:

so is happy to recreate it.

Phew, often the easiest solution with a known time reference. (ie, it will take 30mins to retype) versus XX hours to find a technical solution

I saw him on Monday evening - it's a 12 word notice .

So even at his lack of PC confidence I can't believe it'll take him more than 1 or 2 minutes