JSI Tip 6501. The Windows XP System Information utility shows Activation Status as 'Activation pending (30 days remaining)' on your activated system?

Guests and normal users who view the System Information summary see the Activation Status as Activation pending (30 days remaining).

This behavior is by design. Only Administrators can query the Activation Status. Guests and normal users are always presented with the default 30-day grace period message.