Okay so I finally get to reinstall windows, pop in my CD key to activate and I get an error: "Incorrect Product Key." So I try it again, and same thing.

I phone up Microsoft, and after being transferred all over the place, they claim that the hardware and product key are mismatched. They say this is a typical Dell issue and to call Dell.

On the phone with Dell for less than 10 minutes for them to tell me tough shit, you key is what we have and file and if it doesn't work to call Microsoft. So I call them back, they wont help saying support OEM has to come from the OEM.

Finally I broke down and bought a package from Microsoft to get a freaking key; $149 + taxes (not sure why there was sales tax...) Got the key via email, and the Cd in 4 to 6 weeks.

Upshot is I got the activation done, but I'm out about $160.

Jesus, but this has been one shitty week from end to end! With wow crashing on me every third step, I think you can imagine that I am more than a little upset at the moment.