If you wish to find out Magento version and only files backup available check file app/Mage.php function getVersionInfo()
/**
* Gets the detailed Magento version information
* @link http://www.magentocommerce.com/blog/new-community-edition-release-process/
*
* @return array
*/
public static function getVersionInfo()
{
return array(
'major' => '1',
'minor' => '4',
'revision' => '0',
'patch' => '1',
'stability' => '',
'number' => '',
);
}