Screwed up Installation

I bought a Windows 7 Upgrade and installed it on my laptop as a clean install (added a new HDD).
When I tried to enter the Product Key, it was rejected so I bypassed it and went ahead with the installation - AND the 200+ updates, plus the apps from Win XP.

When I tried to Activate it tonight, the system said the disc I used was an upgrade from another OS and was rejected. I tried to enter a Product Key from a brand new box of software but got the same message - unacceptable.

I spent over an hour on M/soft's "Answer" chat line and was told they had to modify the Registry to fix this problem (for $99.00). Well, that pissed me off totally so I web-surfed and found this forum and a lot of the threads were great but no one seemed to have my issue.

So people, what do I have to do to the registry to correct this anomaly?
I'm sure you've come across this issue before and have an answer.

Reply quickly please.

"Aussie" Bob

San,

That's what I did - a Clean installation with a Windows 7 Upgrade disk.
(only saw one solution option, not three as implied in your reply).

Thanks.
BobO'B

SEAN!!
Apologies for misspelling your name last time (San) because my son is Sean and I don't misspell HIS name!!

I entered the form from the wrong link which gave me just your opening "letter".

When I chose the second (proper) link, I downloaded and ran the batch file and VIOLA - I was able to "Activate by phone" and the OS is kosher and above board.

The only (very minor) negative was that it (seemed to) reset the update count as a bunch of updates were loaded and applied so I cooked bacon and eggs while it did so.

Many thanks; many kudos!!! Vote is 110/100.

Regards,
BobO'B