Backup to network share

You can use the following TSQL statement to backup a database to a network share in SQL Server 2000:

BACKUP DATABASE TO DISK = '\\unc\folder\filename.bak'
WITH RETAINDAYS=0, INIT

This will create a full backup each time it is executed. The RETAINDAYS=0 option makes sure that the previous backup will always get overwritten. Not the safest thing, but can be needed if you are in a tight spot regarding disk space.

This backup file will also appear then in Enterprise Manager. Select Tools, Backup database and check the destination listbox.

To check if the backup is complete and readable:

RESTORE VERIFYONLY FROM DISK = '\\unc\folder\filename.bak'

This way you can have more control over your backup procedure than using maintenance plans, e.g. by putting them in a Execute SQL Task in a DTS package.

Alternatively, using Enterprise Manager, you can add a backup device via management\backup and have in point to \\unc\folder\filename.bak. Right-click it, select "backup a database" and click "Ok".

Note:
It is not recommended to backup directly to a network share, but sometimes there is no alternative.

Note 2:
Setting the RETAINDAYS property to e.g. 5 days means it will be impossible to overwrite the backup file during the next 5 days! Beware of that!