I recently downloaded SQLServer 7.0 evaluation s/w from msn, then while installing that it asked for the pre-requisites as NT4 Svc. Pack 3, in order to install IE 4.01 SP!..and at another point it asked for NT4.0 Svc. Pack 4 to be installed. Consequently, I decided to download SP6 a to fix all the problems for once and all..My problem now is that when I am trying to install SP6a, it gives an error saying: "Service Pack can't update a checked(debug) system with a free(retail) version of the service pack or vice versa" What does that mean? Please help me.. Thanks.

I experienced a problem when I tried to apply Service Pack 4 over top of Service Pack 3. If it is possible, you would be better off to re-install from scratch. Before installing SQL, apply Service Pack 6a first, then install IE 4.01 followed by SQL. I have not used Sevice Pack 6a yet as Service Pack 4 is very stable. You may want to consider using Service Pack 4 instead of 6a. I have yet to find any issues with SP4.

It doesn't want to install any street-legal files over evaluation copy files. Uninstall Sql, do all your service packs, then lastly install Sql.

I had that problem and came to the conclusion that Service pack 6a, for what ever reason is not inclusive. I have done multiple builds and found that once a system has an existing Service pack installed then 6a installs no problem. However, it will not install alone. I have run SP6a on multiple servers for more than 6 months now with no problems. Also, with SQL7.0 be sure to get the latest service pack for it for all the fixes. Good luck!

I am running Windows NT 4.0 Workstation with Service Pack 3. Also running Internet Explorer 4.01. Would like to upgrade to SP 6a. With Service Pack 3 installed, can I use the Service Pack 6a patch file from Microsoft or do I have to get the entire (34.5 MB) Service Pack 6a file?