Recently encountered the question as to the difference between Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition vs. Developer Edition. At the time, I didn’t have the answer. Now I do.

Enterprise Edition will not install on Microsoft Windows XP; however, the Developer Edition will.

I also compared the folder structure, for differences.

Essentially, the SQLSERVR.INI checks the SKU from the SETUP.INI and the SETUPEX.PDB and SETUPEX.DLL handle the rest of the installation. As a bonus, the Enterprise Edition offers a sample database. The rest are the licenses. So, essentially, only four files make up the difference.