Jeff Trumbull has just posted a very cool 'quick virtual machine backup' script for Virtual Server at: http://cwashington.netreach.net/depo/view.asp?Index=1049&ScriptType=vbscript

The big trick involved in this script is that he uses vshadow.exe from the VSS SDK to make shadow copies of the virtual machine files - with a process that goes something like:

1. Save state running virtual machines
2. Create shadow copies of all virtual machine files
3. Restore virtual machines
4. Backup shadow copies at your leisure

Given that step 2 is pretty much instantaneous this means that you are able to backup your virtual machines for the cost of a save state and immediate restore.

Cheers,
Ben