how to get restore cds?

I bought a 450sx laptop back in 2002. I got the extended warranty. My dad
bought it off of me last year. We moved and I can't find the restoration
cds. I called gateway and was told they trash the restore cds after 6
months.
How do I restore my laptop?
Can i get a copy of the restore cd's somewhere for future use?
or am i basically stuck using my windows home or pro i bought with my money
and calling microsoft to re-register it for the laptop (the computer i
originally put them on are no longer used by us).
thanks
mike