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In Vista its C:\System Volume Information which is not accessible to the user.
Vista uses the System Restore utility to both create restore points and to rebuild the system from those restore points.
C:\WINDOWS\system32\Restore
System Protection
restore points
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restore it
If memory serves, backup and restore in vista requires the RPC process to be running, which doesn't run in safe mode. Your best bet is to reinstall Vista, get it up and running in "normal" mode, then do your restore.
System Restore uses a feature called System Protection to regularly create and save restore points on your computer. These restore points contain information about registry settings and other system information that Windows uses. You can also create restore points manually.
Turn off System Restore and reboot the system.
Backup and Restore
Vista has backup and restore just like XP. Open start menu and type backup and restore center.