Not true if he is using WinXP. The VSS (volume shadow service) is able to
make a point-in-time snapshot of the database for other programs to access
the in-use file. Right now, only the high end backup program and the backup
program in XP use it. There is extensive command line support in the
built-in backup program. I suggest he creates a macro that calls the backup
program with the proper parameters to backup the database. Only problem is
there is no minimize command to minimize the backup window, so it will pop
up on the screen while it is running. It is also very fast.
Even if it's possible, I'm not sure it's advisable.
There's always a chance that the point-in-time snapshot may be made while
Access is in the midst of applying updates, so that the database could be in
an inconsistent state.
In general, it's not a good idea to try to circumvent restrictions that are
built into Access.
