>There are a couple of ways, including XCopy/WinZip that will copy the files, it does not guarentee you have the latest data or that the data is in sync with files backed up prior because the data may change in the meantime.

I hv no problem with backup or copying; it was just discussion.
See my reply to Martin S.


>
>Bob
>
>>>>>You cannot really backup live (open tables)
>>>>
>>>>I never even tought of that ;
>>>>
>>>>However, I am able to copy entire database to local PC folder at any time
>>>>with all my users logged in.
>>>>Does it mean MS Backup is more demanding as to have exclusive grip
>>>>on data then ordinary copy call ?
>>>>
>>>>I am doing that from time when I need to troubleshot something on a snapshot of live data. Theoretically, that means that I could schedule (x)copying of entire set of folders to alternative location and then then perform backup from there even if my users were loged 24/7 ?
>>>
>>>Well, a DBF is a Windows file, not a real database. So if there is an Exclusive lock it is reflected in Windows OS, which may prevent a backup program for working with that file.
>>
>>That yes, but if someone uses optimistic table buffering troughout/without exceptions, then even MS backup might work or I am mistaken ?