I have been virtualising an application that only runs on Windows 2000. I hit a number of problems including missing files when I try to install VMware Tools. I tried the VMware KB article but found the links were dead due to Microsoft ending support over 4 years ago. Thankfully I managed to get hold of Windows 2000 SP4 and the KB835732. I have provided individual downloads below as well as created a premade ISO which can be loaded into the VM. This is handy if you; like myself you don't allow any network or file access to keep the unsupported platform segregated.
Download Links:
Download Windows 2000 Professional Service Pack 4 Standalone Installer
Download KB835732 Update Standalone Installer
Prebuilt ISO image containing the files above
Download Links (German Lanuage)
Download KB835732 Update Standalone Installer - Thanks to Regensburg University
Method:
I first realised I had a issue when I tried to install and got the following error:
I managed to dig out a copy of SP4 so first installed it as below. See links at the top for a copy.
After trying that I then discovered KB835732, which relates to security vulnerability MS04-011 was stopping the installation.
I simply installed this update (again link included at the top) and then rebooted.
Finally I could install VMware Tools.
Once I had completed the installation the drivers kicked in and the OS was in true colour.