Original thread here: http://www.sqlmonster.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/sql-server-search/649/Accent-sensitive

It's possible to have accent-sensitive searches with FTS?

Yes, it's possible to have accent INsensitive full-text searches (FTS) with
SQL Server 2000. The workaround it's a little weird, but I works. All you
have to do is update the Microsoft Search Service (MSSearch.exe) to a new
version. SQL Server 2000 SP3a cames with the version (9.107.x.x) but you
found a new one (10.145.x.x) in the Microsoft SharePoint Portal Server. 

You can extract it from the SharePoint Portal Server CD (you 
can use the trial version, just visit microsoft.com and download or order it)
and install alone following these instructions -
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=827449 - but I didn't tested. Not sure if
Windows needs to register dlls other than the ones used by the service itself,
so I've installed SharePoint Portal Server and then uninstalled it. The Microsoft
Search Service will remain updated after this operation and you'll be able to do case and accent insensivite searchs with your full-text catalogs in SQL 2000.

(Alex Hubner)