This paper reviews the incompatibilities among federal government electronic records and explores the potential use of electronic file transfer in the National Archives. It begins by explaining the procedures of the current Center for Electronic Records (NNX) for dealing with accessioning, preservation, and reference tapes. The advantages and disadvantages of existing methods for electronic file transfer are then described, including the use of modems, dedicated lines, the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), local area networks (LANs), and internetworking. The paper concludes with several recommendations: (1) that study of the methods and developments in file transfer technology be continued; (2) that current accessioning and reference procedures be improved with the help of the Data General minicomputer; (3) that the title list and other general finding aids be placed on an electronic bulletin board or on diskette to enable researchers to log on for general information; and (4) that the system for the destruction or return of agency tapes be improved. Three figures illustrating modem operation, star topology, and bridge and gateway linkups are attached. (MAB)