>We have a database that we want to wipe and replace every week, regardless of whether it is in use.

...

>gfix -shut single -force 1 server:/opt/firebird/db/clone.fdb

Why do you use '-shut single' and not '-shut full', Rick? I apologize if my question just reveals my almost complete lack of knowledge regarding gfix, and that there is some good reason for using '-shut single' before restore.

By the way, you may consider adding 'o' to your 'gbak -r' if using Fb 2.x (look at www.destructor.de/firebird/gbak.htm) and adding '-mode read_only' if this is a read only database.

HTH,
Set