Don't expect any help from Microsoft.
I just called the UK Customer Service centre, with a slightly different
issue..
I wrote down the activation key incorrectly before I formatted my PC to
install the RC1 DVD I downloaded and have burnt today.
Called MS, and spoke to Sayd Hussain. He said that MS 'do not have any
support for beta versions' and he went on to conclude that 'get a serial fro
the microsoft website'
This was after spending 20 mins explaining about the CPP and the fact that
no, I don't have to pay for an activation code for MS Vista RC1.
I give up. Ill wait till there is one leaked to the net, or until I buy the
released version sometime in November...