Question : Fresh install of XP doesn't allow 30 days before required activation

I just wiped a 3 year old workstation after an employee was terminated and attempted to reinstall Windows XP w/ SP2.  The format and install went fine but as soon as I login as administrator for the first time its forcing me to activate XP.  I don't want to activate just yet.  I want to install my base programs, image the drive and THEN activate XP.  Why isn't XP giving me the normal '30 days' to activate?  On a whim, I reformatted and reinstalled again but with the same results.

Thanks in advance,

Answer : Fresh install of XP doesn't allow 30 days before required activation

Actually I was wrong about the 30 day period in my last post - all OEM System Builder disks now require activation following installation, this is either done by the OEM (you!) before supplying it to the customer or left so the end user gets the activation screen and the "Welcome to Windows" experience on first switching on the PC (they have to agree to the on-screen EULA). So this is normal behavior for the install CD you have.