That won't quite work. He needs a database on the laptop for the restore.
1. Generate a SQL script file on the desktop that will recreate the database.
2. Edit any file locations, user ids, etc in the SQL script file.
3. Run the SQL script file on the laptop
4. Backup the database
5. Copy the backup file to the laptop
6. Restore the database.
>If you know how to back up the main database to a file, all you need to do copy that file to your laptop, and restore that same file to your MSDE machine. Just be aware that the database locations (2nd tab after selecting the file) point to the file on your laptop or you'll get an error. All of this can be done while your main database is online.
>
>HTH
>
>Chuck
Craig Berntson
MCSD, Microsoft .Net MVP, Grape City Community Influencer