http://blogs.msdn.com/sqlblog/archive/2009/06/24/performance-tips-for-faster-download-of-a-large-sql-compact-3-5-database-via-replication.aspxSQL Compact 3.x Replication initial subscription is resource-intensive and may take significant time on devices. Read the introduction to the SQL Compact Blog for this problem. Introduction ( from SQL Compact Blog ) “The initial subscription is goingenCommunityServer 2.1 SP1 (Build: 61025.2)