bill - 6:24 am on Dec 23, 2009 (gmt 0)

Restore point information is stored in the "System Volume Information" that is hidden in the root directory. Windows will normally block attempts to explore that folder. You're not meant to tamper with those files.

If you want full backups that you can store on DVD media then I suggest you look into imaging your drive(s). A drive image will take a snapshot of your drive and let you restore to that exact moment in time. Window's system restore isn't as thorough.

Some popular imaging products include Acronis and Symantec Ghost.