I have SQL server 2000 dev edition. But it isn't compatible with my new win7 pro 64 bit computer. Is there a free version of 2000 that I can install on my 64 bit pc for development?
As I understand it, I can restore a 2000 database to sql server 2008. But I wont be able to restore the database back to the 2000 server after making any changes in 2008.
The free version of sql server 2000 is called "MSDE". I haven't tried it, but I don't think it works with windows 7. If it does work with Windows 7, you'll have to make sure you run the installer as administrator, and remember that being logged in to the administrator account isn't enough to ensure that happens anymore.
Otherwise, you'll have to update to at least sql server 2005. Both sql server 2005 and sql server 2008 have express editions with licenses that do permit production use if that's any help. If that doesn't work you'll need to install sql server 2000 on a separate machine (even a vm would do) and use newer sql server management studio software to connect to it.
You could use a virtual pc or equivalent with an older OS image on it. I use Virtualbox, it's free and I am very happy with it. I always keep on my home server a compressed Virtualbox image of XP with Sql Server for emergencies.