Deleted RPM backup database and rpm no longer works

[Cory Phillips <cphillips phillipsandson com>]

Red Hat 7.2

My /var directory was running out of space, and I discovered the rpm system was
taking up most of the space, especially with the backup database files.  I
decided I would take my chances with not having a backup, so I copied them to a
safe location and then deleted the backup.  


Well, to my surprise the rpm system quit working, so I tried the initialize rpm
parameter, which made me an empty database.  That wasn't what I really wanted,
so now all I have is my saved backup.  How can I reinstate everything as it was
with my backup?  Will copying it into the primary (/var/lib/rpm) and backup
(/var/lib/rpm.save) directories work?

Also, is there anyway to purge/compact the backup database?  It seems the rpm manager should still function without the backup.

-- 
Cory Phillips

Phillips and Son Computer Consulting
http://www.phillipsandson.com/