just got into recovery console
"The registry entry for the vgaservice was found.
The service is already set to SERVICE_SYSTEM_START"

So, kinda close atleast.
gonna try a restart and see what happens
( StickFigureNinja is worried he may be on the list, Thu 17 Apr 2008, 0:14, archived)

ok
if it fails, try again but just "enable vgasave" - which will give a list of options. Just change to something else, then type it again and change it back, which should make sure it gets written to all the right places.
( Dave Trouser ; the people's choice - 75% agree, Thu 17 Apr 2008, 0:20, archived)

hung at the same place
*goes to try more shit*
( StickFigureNinja is worried he may be on the list, Thu 17 Apr 2008, 0:23, archived)

Bummer dude.
I just did some Google work, and lots of people are describing the disabling of vgasave as "fatal". oops.
( Dave Trouser ; the people's choice - 75% agree, Thu 17 Apr 2008, 0:26, archived)

well worse case scenario
i have to get me a copy of vista
( StickFigureNinja is worried he may be on the list, Thu 17 Apr 2008, 0:32, archived)

Or, just ask me to send you a program that not only generates XP keys, but also verifies them as valid, so you don't waste any time on duff ones.

( Dave Trouser ; the people's choice - 75% agree, Thu 17 Apr 2008, 0:36, archived)

that would be potentially grand
actually, I just had a thought that I can't believe I didnt think of before: The xp key form this laptop should work fine. Only thing though, I shouldn't have any problems with "activating" it online using the same key should I?
( StickFigureNinja is worried he may be on the list, Thu 17 Apr 2008, 0:51, archived)