SQL 2008 Setup SP1

If one gets the error message "The current SKU is invalid" while trying to add in another node to a SQL 2008 Cluster (and, perhaps significantly), one on which the other node(s) are running SP1, it is possible to get round this without slipstreaming.

Check, in Control Panel Add/Remove Programs, that the SQL 2008 Server Setup application is installed. If it is, back out of the node install, and run SQL 2008 SP1. It seems counter-intuitive, since SQL 2008 has not yet been installed. It does however work. I didn't stop the installer when I ran SP1, so I had to restart the node: I suspect that had I stopped the installer, I would not have needed to restart the node.

Once you've got the installation to work, you'll still need to service pack SQL Server itself, however, since you're on the passive node, it's pretty simple. And, since the installation is fresh, you won't need to restart again.

Microsoft error link.

Microsoft fix link.

Anything, but anything, to avoid slipstreaming the install.