I had some problems similar with yours when I've installed MSSQL 2000 Developer edition on a XP PRO box and I tried to install SP3.

For me the solution...

For pushing data from Main server I would use tranzactional replication.

For pulling data from your MSDE2000 you have two options: merge or snapshot replication.

I would use snapshot because is easier...

try :

osql /? .

You can find an enhanced version eisql at

http://www.imranweb.com

You can try to use replication.If you need just one table to be syncronized you can specify this when you are making the publication.

I used both options .I couldn't find great differences between checking the options or not.So I think it's safe to experiment with the option and decide what is best for...

Yes.

  Try a  continous tranzactional replication  between the production server and the backup server.For me it works fine.