Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically processing electronic data files found in a variety of different file formats are utilized in order to generate comprehensive output comprising all of the data contained within the files including hidden data. Additionally these systems and methods may be used to automatically generate a database of information pertaining to the files that have been processed by the system along with an identification of the specific processing that has been performed on the files. The database of this information is useful not only in determining the overall progress that has been made in the processing of the files but also to provide the ability to rapidly determine chain of custody and processing information. This database is useful in overcoming any challenges to use of the data that are generated by the systems and methods of the present invention.