i'm having trouble slipstreaming sp2 into windows xp. i tried to follow your guide but whenever i try to add sp2 it complains and wont let me do it. and do you just manually copy the xp cd onto the hard drive?

You can use copy and paste to get your files off cd and onto your harddrive.

If your files are copied to C:\XPCD and your service pack is in C:\.

Then you run the command "C:\WindowsXP-KB835935-SP2-ENU.exe /x", then select C:\SP2 folder in the popup window. Then run command "C:\SP2\i386\Update\Update.exe -s:C:\XPCD". SlipStreaming should commence!

Edited missing command.

OK, let's get past te real quick items.

Starting with your last question, yes you do copy the CD to your HDD.

Then these might also mitigate some issues.

1. Are the files on your HD still "Read Only"? If yes, change the properties.

2. Are trying to slipstream SP2 into your slipstreamed SP1 disk? Not sure, but you'll need to start with a M$ or OEM original disk.