BleepingComputer.com: Should I backup registry if I create a restore Point?

I created a restore point in the "Backup & Restore Center" of Windows Vista. Should I backup the registry too or is this act incorporated into the restore point? Also I was thinking of making an image file of my computer since it has just been repaired by the manufacture and I just got it back to the way I like it, (all software, settings and customization). How large are the image files typically? (right now I am using 50 gigs, so I assume it won't fit on a DVD unless these image files are some sort of picture of the hard drive and are very reduced in size). If it won't fit I'll buy an external HDD and put the image on there, would this image file be bootable in the event of another crash? Like most computers bought today, I didn't get a copy of the windows cd/dvd, all I got was software to restore the computer back to it's original settings, so this is why I'm wondering if image files are boot-able.

Thanks for any information in advance,
I'd really like to not have to go through recovering all my files and customization again.

Some suggestions for drive image backups.

http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-...ing-program.htm

The following resources are backed up:

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See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_Restore

hi,,,, just to give you a clue about space needed ,,,, i do a full mirror image of my C: drive every month,,, i do not do a rolling backup (where the newer files are added to an older backup),,, i just delete the old mirror image and do a fresh one,,,, at the last image the file was 70gb and this is off a 500gb hdd with 160ish GB used,,,, this will probably change a little with the program you use,,,, im using windows image backup on vista ultimate,,,, so i recon an external hdd would be better for your needs,,,
good luck.