SQL Server Desktop Engine (which is also known as MSDE 2000) is a database engine designed to run in the background, supporting Microsoft applications without the need for a full-blown SQL Server installation. Unfortunately, MSDE does not have a user interface of its own, relying on manipulation of the databases to the applications that use it. While MSDE works well, there are administration tasks that need to be performed that are seldom part of an application that uses the engine, and the most important of these tasks is backing up the databases themselves.