>First of all, to reduce the "critical time", divide the backup into two steps: 1) Copy all data files, 2) Use your favorite backup program to compress this copy.
Yes, this is already done. But it still takes several minutes to copy the files.
>In VFP, I think you could solve the 24/7 problem with an audit feature: every change in every table triggers an addition to an additional table.
I think I would still see problems with the DBCs in some cases.
>Or change to C/S. Servers like Oracle have built-in support for a "hot" backup.
Arggghhh...I fear this might be the only real solution.
Thanks,
Joe
Joseph C. Kempel
Systems Analyst/Programmer
JNC