i do i set up a server on windows 200 pro and a domain for the first time

Not being cocky here... If you don't know about domains then don't set one up. That's how I started and it almost drove me to suicide. I can do it now no problem because I started with an easy-to-setup workgroup and learned a bit about win2k first. My life is much better now, I have more hair, my girlfriend loves me, and I've got rock hard ads. Regards, Scott :)

thanks bit could you or anyone else tell me how to do it

You should listen to the other fellow's advice....go learn about 2000 and domains first. Without understanding the operating system and the basic's of domains, me telling you will help you not at all. I will say this much: In a nutshell; - install 2000 server - install DNS create zones - install active directy There's a LOT more to it than that but I'm not even going to begin talking about forest's and trees, DNS with AD integrated zones with dynamic secure updates enabled, subnetting, creating sites and so on and so on and so on...

you are getting in waaay over your head man. is this for home or business?

A important word of advice... Make CERTAIN that you keep at least one local account with full administrative rights. Win 2k comes with a built-in Administrator account- just leave it be! I would even go so far as to suggest logging on as Administrator just long enough to create a full control account for yourself, then logging Administrator off and logging back in with your new account forever after. By the nature of your post, I'm sure we'll be seeing you back here very soon, let's just hope it's not under the "Help! Admin Password Locked Out of W2K!" section. Until we see you again, go to: http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/planning/server/serversteps.asp and check out these helpful Microsoft Documents: Part 1- Step-by-Step Guide to a Common Infrastructure for Windows 2000 Server Deployment: Installing a Windows 2000 Server as a Domain Controller Part 2- Step-by-Step Guide to a Common Infrastructure for Windows 2000 Server Deployment: Installing a Windows 2000 Professional Workstation and Connecting It to a Domain Good luck!