Peter,

I had a similar problem with an old xBase database (developed using Clipper) that used a product called Flexfile as a replacement for the memo field data type. The pointer to the memo text was stored in a 6 byte field of string (character) data type. When I attempted to work with this database using Visual Basic, I ran into the same problem that you did. However, because the database was to be converted to MS Access, I didn't give much thought to the problem. All I needed to do was convert the memo file and tables over to a format that could be imported into MS Access--namely Foxpro dbf/fpt files. Is conversion to another database an option for you?

Sorry I couldn't be of more help,
Gerald M.