FIX: Error message when you try to install SQL Server 2000: "Unable to validate product key"

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

To resolve this problem, follow these steps:

1. In the SQL Server Installation Wizard, click Cancel.
2. Start Registry Editor. To do this, click Start, click Run, type regedt32, and then click OK.
3. Locate and then double-click the SafeDllSearchMode registry entry.
   
   On a server that is running Windows Server 2003 or Windows Storage Server 2003, this registry entry is located under the following registry subkey:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager
   On a server that is running Windows 2000 with SP4, this registry entry is located under the following registry subkey:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\Control\Session Manager
   Note If the SafeDllSearchMode registry entry does not exist, create the SafeDllSearchMode registry entry as the DWORD value.
4. In the Value data box, change the value from 1 to 0, and then click OK.
5. Exit Registry Editor.
6. Reinstall SQL Server 2000, and then install the latest SQL Server 2000 service pack.
7. Restart the server.