<p>I want to be able to explore the contents of a DB for this version of the DB. I was thinking of using the Squirrel DB client (which needs a JDBC driver).</p>

<p>Therefore, I'm looking for a JDBC type 4 driver for SQL SERVER 3.5.  Can somone point me to a FREE OR open source or trial ware ?</p>

<p>If no JDBC driver, how do MS developers explore a given .SDF file ?</p>

<p>Thank you,</p>

<p>BR,<BR>
~A</p>

Have you tried
SQL Server Management Studio Express
?
You can access SQL Server Compact 3.5
  databases stored on a smart device or
  on the desktop computer by using SQL
  Server Management Studio in SQL Server
  or SQL Server Management Studio
  Express (SSMSE).
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms172037.aspx
As for the JDBC Driver, you could take a look at
this one
, provided by Microsoft. I don't know if it works with the Compact Edition or if you already tried it, but I thought it was worth mentioning.