Bob Ward posted a blog entry today where he explains the process of getting a cumulative update for SQL Server 2005 without having to call Microsoft's support team (they are called CSS now but you may remember them as PSS). This is a great evolution in the process, which used to be very difficult (you had to open a support case and be deemed eligible to be issued a CU by a support engineer), and a few months ago they made it a little easier, allowing you to submit a form and have an engineer review it (without a phone call or a formal case), and up to a day later, you got an e-mail providing the download link(s). Now, at least for post-SP2 cumulative updates, the e-mail containing the download is almost immediate.
Makes me wonder why they don't just make it downloadable like a service pack, but in any case, this is a great step forward. You can see his post here:
Right you are:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/894905
There are post .2187 hotfixes, but you'll have to call in for them.
Also, the web request for CUs is cool, but MS has not ironed out all the kinks….we've had them ship us partial packages here. Will be really nice when they get it nailed.
I don't think there is such a thing, and given the product life cycle, I wouldn't hold my breath for an SP5, either.
I would like to get a recent SQL 2000 hotfix, something well after the public 2187