Problem installing Windows XP Media Edition
 

I go through disc 1 (and maybe 2? can't remember) and I follow the on-screen instructions to install a fresh copy of (genuine) Windows on my computer, but near the end it asks me to insert the CD labelled "Service Pack 2 CD", which I don't have. All I have is Disc 1 & 2, and "Windows Updates."

It will not accept the last CD with the updates. If I click cancel or close the window that requests the last CD, it'll go through with the install but it seems like some files are missing, because I went I go into Windows to install my MoBo software, vid card driver, etc. I keep getting error messages -- things like Windows installer is missing and the Internet Explorer is not installed, or certain .dll files are missing.

Other than buying or downloading a copy of the SP2 CD, do I have any other options?

Bump

Vista home premium is a much better product

if your computer is too slow to handle vista, go back to using XP Pro

XP MCE just plain suck

have you tried downloading SP2 from MS website?

I can go and buy another copy, but I spent over $100 for this copy of Windows, it would seem an aweful waste if I couldn't even use it.

I've tried downloading SP2 from MS, but in order to install it, I'd have to skip the rest of installation and install it in Windows, but it turns out it skips a lot of files that way. When it prompts me for the SP2 CD, I've tried pointing it to the directory with the SP2 files, but that didn't seem to work.

When I'm in this incomplete version of Windows, I can't even install an AV or click on Networking wizzard.

you should be able to download a torrent of a legit Windows install CD or DVD with SP2, then you install Windows with that using your normal, legitimate key, and you're good to go.