SidBord,

If you are referring to System Restore (which is different from MS Backup) the following from Windows XP Inside Out should be helpful:

System Restore is a Windows XP service that runs automatically in the background, keeping a log of changes to file types defined in %SystemRoot%\System32\Restore\ Filelist.xml. At regular intervals, the System Restore service copies system files to hidden archives for safekeeping. In addition, the system takes regular snapshots of the system state, including information about user accounts, hardware and software settings, and files required for startup.

System Restore does not monitor the following files and folders:

The page file (virtual memory) or hibernation file.

Any files of any type stored in the following personal data folders: My Documents, Favorites, Cookies, Recycle Bin, Temporary Internet Files, History, and Temp.

Image and graphics files, including bitmap and JPEG files, and files that use extensions commonly associated with data files, such as .doc, .xls, .mdb, and .pdf.

E-mail files managed by Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express.

Windows creates an initial restore point when you install or upgrade to Windows XP. You can create a restore point manually at any time. In addition, Windows XP creates restore points automatically whenever you take any of the following actions:

You install an unsigned device driver

You install an application using an installer that’s compatible with System Restore

You install a Windows update or patch

You restore a prior configuration using System Restore

You restore data from a backup set created with the Windows XP Backup program

Great reply! I guess I didn't understand the separation between MS BACKUP pgm and the restore facility. But I'm glad to hear that I don't have to initiate the checkpoints for RESTORE. At the moment, I'm not sure how to do that.
Thanx loads!