yes, with one small point. Under 7.0, the two servers must be using the small Sort Order. Under 2000, this is not as big an issue since the sort order can be set at the database level (and lower actually).

-Mike

>Just to make sure I understand ...
>
>I can backup from Computer A, then restore to Computer B without generating the database before hand.
>
>Is this correct?
>
>
>>6.5 required that the database exist with the same segments as the original database. Since 7.0, the database contains the information needed to recreate itself.
>>
>>-Mike
>>
>>>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