This is a great tutorial on using the text OSQL utility to work with MSDE or SQL Server databases. It comes complete with instructions on logging in, listing all data bases, listing all tables within the selected db, and creating new users.
http://www.codeproject.com/database/ConfigureMSDE.asp
Some OSQL Examples from above:
osql -E -q "SELECT * FROM Northwind.dbo.Shippers"
osql -E -S ComputerName\InstanceName -i MyScript.sql -o MyOutput.rpt
osql -E -S ComputerName\InstanceName
tags: sqlserver, mssql, msde, sql, query