Microsoft is stalking me

[ElPolloDiabl]

I got a new copy of Windows XP Pro OEM a few months ago and it was running quite happily and not bothering me to activate it. I eventually let it download updates and afterwards it pops up with the "You have 30 days to activate Windows."
I've reinstalled the Windows copy again (after a virus went beserk) thinking it would go back to the original OEM setting but I get the, "You have 30 days to activate Windows" again. Apparently a quick format of the hard drive wasn't enough, MS has installed something on my hard drive.
I'm not going to activate it because my copy will get locked on the current hardware.
What I'll do is boot up with Linux and get it to format the drive.

[ElPolloDiabl]

I did a full format, not quick like before, on installation and there has been no message to activate Windows. I'll be able to hang on to my copy hassle free for good.

[ElPolloDiabl]

The problem only started when I download updates. I switched that option off. Apparently my disc doesn't require activation by default, it's just then when you let Microsoft poke around via updates it sets off the activation thing.

[ElPolloDiabl]

The problem is if you activate it and then change some of the hardware you have to call MS and quote about 20 numbers. Then you have to type in 20 numbers that you get quoted just to complete installation.

I'm lucky this OEM copy doesn't require activation. I'll be able to play old games on it till they come out with some retro emulation package.