I have already googled this but only get ways to order copies. I want to pull up an old 1099 and read it immediately

Unless you have access to the originator of the Form 1099, the only practical way is to ask for a tax transcript from the IRS, and that transcript CANNOT be access on-line. They will either mail it to you or fax it to you.

If you have investments with an on-line brokerage or mutual fund house you can probably get old 1099-B's, 1099-DIV's 1099-INT's and 1099-R's from their website, and also old 1099-INT's from your bank. If you are looking for a 1099-DIV from a corporation I suggest you contact their shareholder services department. Other 1099's, from business customers and such, would have to come direct from them.