XP Home Install Issue

[Jarod888]

My step brother has a laptop that stopped running. I don't believe he has the cd's that came with it when he bought it anymore. So i slipstreamed service pack 2 into a retail cd using nLite. Basically it slipstreams a servicepack it into a retail image and then burns a new ISO for you, and it does this all for free, it is a free program. Anyway the version of XP I used was an Image of a retail home cd that was untouched, no sp1 or anything. I downloaded the administrator's update of sp2 and used that as for the slipsteam.
On the back of his laptop is his cd key. Genuine windows sticker and all.

Windows XP Home Edition
Gateway

Product Key:xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx (replaced real number w? x's)

xxxxx-xxx-xxx-xxx (replaced real number w? x's)

Off to the side is a vertical number..

this should be a valid cd key right?

I don't understand why I can't get it to install.

I think I might have to e mail MS or something.

Please any suggestions would help! Thanks!!

[Dudelive]

If it is a gateway computer, you could always contact gateway and tell them you have a computer and no cd to reinstall with and let them tell you what to do since you don't want to buy it again.

Thanks
Dudelive