Windows 7: Problem Activating Windows 7

I'm trying to fix my Dad's laptop here and having some problems. His hard drive died on him, so I replaced it. The computer came with Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit on it. Thats also the only OS Sony's website has drivers for, that OS. It actually has Windows XP drivers as well. The sticker on the bottom is rubbed off almost completely, I can hardly read the code but I think I got it. Now most Windows 7 Product keys on new PC's are blue and white the label itself that is. This one looks like it's a Windows Vista or maybe XP? The laptop was bought a year ago, so I couldn't imagine it being XP. It also has a windows 7 sticker on it. Well I installed Windows 7 and the product key didnt work, I tried it changing all the letters I wasn't sure of, couldn't gt it. Installed Vista, but I cant find drivers for it at all. The thing that gets me, it does not look like a Windows 7 key label at all unless older ones came in blue green and red like Vista's and XP.

Any help/advice would be great.

I'd contact the seller of the notebook and ask them for the key.

Like the manufacturer? No reciept for the laptop or anything I dont think, so how would they know I have it etc etc

Well, you won't get instructions on how to activate Windows without a valid serial# on this forum.

What do you mean? I have a valid serial number on my laptop and Service Tag.

Oh, and I can't imagine somebody would buy a notebook and not keep the receipt...

Then try to call Microsoft and ask them why the valid serial number won't work.

Sigh, I understand it can be thought to be stolen, but it's not :shrugs:
I have original box, well he does, but no receipt. Hell I doubt I have a receipt for my own laptop still.

Well, there's nothing WE can do.
Of course there are ways to activate Windows without a working serial# - but this is the wrong forum for issues like that.
When everything is OK and you have a legit copy, then simply call MS and ask them for assistance.

One of two things here, either you are trying to get an answer to a question you are not going to get from any reputable forum, and you probable already knew that but you where hoping someone was going feel your pain and disreguard forum rules and give you the magic key to unlock all, or you have a situation where someone has taken an oem machine and installed a different system and if that is the case you best make sure the disk you have is the one used for either the upgrade or downgrade whichever, and the wright key to go along with it. Good luck in your quest.