How do I restore XP backup in Console?

I ran into a problem of windows update not updating some files. I tried correcting the problem by uninstalling the service packs. After uninstal of one of the SP it forced a reboot. The machine went into a continous loop. It would load the Win XPscreen and then reboot. I have a “system state” backup through the XP backup util but what good is it if I can’t get xp running to start the backup util to restore the “system state” files.

Should I be using a different method for backing up theregistry?

What procedure or files (other than registry)should I back up in case of failure (I’m use to win 9X where I would back up the reg, autoexec, configsys, win.ini, sys.ini)

Thanks

Just cause I’m paranoid doesn’t mean they are not outto get me