new hdd - windows activation

[ChrisH Kerry]

I put a new HDD in my laptop after the machine went belly up due to virus... It's running Vista and I got a warning about unauthorised modification or some such sh*te telling me I had to re-activate windows.... so I let it do what it wanted - connected to MS site and there it sat doing SFA. This morning it won't let me boot the bloody thing as this warning keeps appearing telling me to find solution on line, but it won't connect. Feel like throwing it under nearest tractor...
I have Ububtu on another laptop but Open Office doesn't do what I want so no use, also that laptop needs drivers for the wireless card which I haven't managed locate/install. So ant advice/help very gratefully received.... apart from go buy a MacBook (which I have considered)

 

[cookie]

try ringing microsoft, explain the problem and they should give you a new activation key.

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

Haven't discovered a phone number just yet - plenty of reference to one but no actual number. I'll see what I can find - thanks.

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

Well just called MS Ireland - eventuallly got through to someone... he was going to take me through the activation process, so booted the laptop and ... it started up fine, checked through and it's now activated even though it wouldn't boot up an hour ago. Gives me great confidence - what will it come up with next? Anyway thanks Cookie...