I have a SQL database (MSDE actually, but I don't think it makes any difference) which I need to backup daily, along with other files on a hard-drive which have changed that day.

Because of the size of the .mdf/.ldf files (combined size about 900Mb) the backup is taking far longer than I would like, so I am looking at ways of reducing the time of copying the files directly using drag-and-drop (eg. not zipping the files first).

I am working on a standalone laptop machine and the backup media is a 4.7G DVD-RW disk. I am using Nero's InCD, but I have also tried Roxio's DirectCD and the time is approximately the same.

The log (.ldf) file is about 8 times the size of the .mdf file. Do I really need to backup the logfile? Am I risking a lot if I don't back it up regularly? Does the .mdf always have to be in-sync with the .ldf file?

Are there any other ways of reducing backup time? Any ideas would be appreciated.

Regards,
Alan