Question : Vista Activation?

Hi experts,
I replaced a motherboard. I need to activate Vista again.  Complication is:  The product key on the COA is different than the key in the system.  Original mnfr date is the same as the OS installation date.  however, the key is not the same key on the COA, like I said.  When I try to use either key, I am told that the key is not valid.

Acer delivered this machine that way and they should help with this issue..  The PC installer told the owner there was no cd, no DVD, no owners manual, no documentation.  i thought something was amiss when I heard that.  Now I know why.

I emailed ACER tech support and because PC is out of warantee they will not help to activate it.  It costs $59 to talk to them and I do not even know if they can help.  This is now urgent because I only have less than 2 days to activate this copy of Vista and do not know how to proceed.  I haven't told the owner yet, that he may have to buy a new OS plus pay for tech support.
                         
 THE QUESTION IS:
How do I re-activate  this copy of Vista?

PS: I know I am in a hurry to get this done, but I have a Christening to attend and will not be back until 5 PM.  Hopefully you will have guided me in the right direction by then.
   

Thank you in advance,
donnie616

Answer : Vista Activation?

NOTE: when you call that number, you will first hear an Automated Voice. If the Automated Voice gives you an option to talk to a Live Activation Rep., select that option. If not, do not enter any numbers. This should force the Automated Voice to transfer you to a Live Activation Rep. Trying to Activate thru the Automated Voice will not work, in your case; only thru the Live Activation Rep. will your Activation be successful.

I got this from one of the microsoft post.