Windows 7 - Help with reactivating key after hardware failure.

I have a 64 bit Windows 7 Pro upgrade disc. I had this installed clean on a new drive, but
the drive died. I was able to get a new drive and installed the program on the new
drive, but when I go to activate the it, it states this key is for an upgrade and I have
to use Vista to upgrade ! I called MS and a lady from "over there" told me the
same thing, and that the key would work ? I didn't have to do this the first time.

My question is, will I have to purchase a new key ? After spending a LOT of money for
this {the Windows 7 came with both the 32 and 64 bit versions} I'd HATE to have to buy a
new key every time something crashes and a new install is called for.

PS No, I haven't tried to upgrade off the Vista Prem I DID install. Should I try that
first before I try to get MS to issue me a valid key ? By the way, the Vista is a
32 bit version and I want to install the Windows 7 Pro 64 bit version.

Any help is most appreciated.

Thanks
n2gc

No need to buy a new key. See this tutorial: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Follow Jonathan_King's good advice.

Activate Windows 7 by Phone
Activate Windows 7 Online

Thank you all for the info. I was able to do a fresh install following the how-to posted
here. It's a VERY nice item to have handy, and am I ever relieved.

Thanks again !

n2gc

No problem, glad we could help.

Thanks for reporting back, and let us know if you need anything else.

^ Will do and thanks for the offer.

n2gc

Hi I am in trouble - I hope you can help

I originally used this method to install windows 7 upgrade, when giving my computer an upgrade package; better hard drive, more RAM and windows 7 instead of xp

Since then my hard drive has failed on me and I need to be able to reinstall windows again on a fresh disc. I stupidly didn't make a system image and only used the file backup utility (to external drive).

Can I use this method again? Will it work inputting my product key again? Just to be absolutely sure, none of the files created by the backup utility will verify my copy of windows will they?

I really don't want to have to buy another product key on account of being a poor student, so any help would be much appreciated!

Matthew