>I need to have my VFP 6.0 code create a back up of a SQLServer7.0 database before doing some batch
>processing on the tables. I would also like to give the VFP code the option of restoring the database
>if the batch process hicups.
>
>What's the suggested 'best practice' for this.
>
>Note: The VFP code is run by various users (i.e. their network logins are different. Also, none of
>the users are database admins or dbo owners.) I do not have control of the server. It is in a separate
>department so getting or changing permissions and access rights is sort of a problem. All this might have
>some bearing on how best to do the backup/restore.)

I haven't tried this, and it violates the "changing permissions" part of your requirement, but what if you create an Application Role for your app, and have that role added to the db_backupoperator role? That way, you only have to make one permissions change, and change your connection string so that you're connecting through the role.

For more information, check out http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/howtosql/ht_6_secrty_8k8p.asp.