TNX FOR THE HINT. Checking out KB1308 brought me to the following discussion: http://communities.vmware.com/thread/90450
I can confirm that after clearing the \windows\temp directory completely with exception of the file in use AND disabling Panda Internet Security Suite the installation of VMware Server 2 on Windows XP home edition worked perfectly. Server is now up and running debian linux on a virtual machine.
Unfortunately, I did not log previously whether I had Panda Internet Security active or not. I think, though, deactivating AV etc was one of the first measurements after the ssl generation error, but, as said, I didn't log it. So, most likely it's the stuff in the windows\temp folder. Possibly it was the influence of Panda.
Cheers, Chris