How do I restore original OS X on my MacBook?

I wanted to restore the original OS X (10.6.1, according to the disc) to my MacBook because it hasn't been running all that great since I updated to Mountain Lion (I now know I don't have enough RAM and it looks like I'll be getting a new computer before I update the RAM). I thought I could do that via the disc that came with my MacBook, but it tells me that my install disc won't work with the version of OS X I have.
So...is there any way I can do this? Other than restoring it to factory settings (I have no way to backup anything)?

@Niel
Sorry for all the questions! The hardest thing I've done is change out a hard drive on 2001 iMac.
When I boot with C and reinstall, will I choose the "erase and install" option like it says in the Mac instructions? That doesn't seem like it would be what I want to do, even though I'm creating a Time Machine backup right now. (Mac instructions aren't so helpful in that they assume you haven't updated the OSX, apparently.)
Thank you for your help! I wasn't able to find a guide or any real instructions for this!

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This question was solved.
View Solution.

Thank you. I'm typing this from my just-recovered laptop. I don't know what I would've done if I wasn't able to fix it. You are a true hero heroine.
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How do I restore original OS X on my MacBook?

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