I need help setting up my 2008 server and have some questions. I can pick things up pretty quick, but could use your help to clear things up. • OS: server 2008 standard • Users : 5 pc’s ( 3 locally & 2 VPN) • Printers: 4 • Locations: 1 office, 2 VPN connections using sonicwall software • Router: sonicwall 100, provides dhcp address • Goal: to share quickbooks with all user and be able to backup all pc files on the server Server Configuration • 500 GB • Raid 5 ( 3 drives @ 250 GB ) • C: (40 GB partition) • D: remaining space DHCP server Do I have to use the new server for a DHCP server when my sonic firewall is providing the ip’s for everything? Isn’t it better to take that one load off the actual server? I keep reading that I have to configure a DHCP server. Active Directory How do I setup the active directory for a company my size? Do I install it in its default location C: drive, or do I install it on the D: drive where I plan to share files? Do I just need one tree with all its subdirectories? Shared Applications (quicbooks) Should I install all software in its default C: drive location or should I create a new directory to manage all installations? If I create a directory, do I keep in C: or D: (share). I am under the impression to install all applications in their default locations and place the files that need to be shared on the D: drive which is my share drive. What is the proper way? Do I Install all shared apps on C: and use the D: to share all resources? Do these files need to be part of the Active Directory? DNS Server Is this different from the DNS being provided by my sonicwall? PRINTER SERVER I usually create a static ip for the printer and set it up as a local printer using the port. Is this a better way that using a print server? I am thinking it is one less task for the server? Am I missing something

You have too many questions. You need to set it up correctly the first time. Look at these and also other technet and microsoft pages. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/... Playing to the angels Les Paul (1915-2009)