Would one expect a backup of a SQL Server Compact database file created with Volume Shadow Copy Service expected to be consistent? I know the big SQL Server has a VSS writer to ensure consistency. If a connection is writing out to a SQL Server Compact database could the file be backed up in a inconsistent state?
backup files are called "crash-consistent" when there is no writer service. you may be missing the recent updates, but usually good. ofcourse, depends on how critical your data or application is.