Ran a quick test here.  It appears that when the file changes, and you run a
backup, it does not backup the file but rather does an update.  When I went
to restore the file with the pick option, it had an older date on it, but
when I picked the one I wanted and continued, it restored the old
permissions.  I made sure that was the correct file.

Therefore, I think the answer to your question is "yes" it should set the
permissions back to the way they were.

My client is also 4.1.2 with a 4.1.4.1 server.  AIX 4.3.3

Steve Argersinger
Ruan Transportation