help w/DOS and command prompt

any books that i should start with on understanding using these. will the dummie books be ok or should i be looking for free stuff on the internet or maybe start buying the cisco books for networking

For an "average user" you have some relatively ambitious goals.

That's just fine, and learning is wonderful.

You have yourself engaging basic DOS command prompt skills, and at the same time apparently trying to set up Server 2003.
And to top it off, you installed Server 2003 on a USB Drive? Eminently doable, but poses some complications.

Microsoft Server 2008 offers two disks for learning – Windows Server 2008 Inside Out, and MS Small Business Server / Administrator's Companion.

Do you have the comparable Disks for Server 2003 ?

Here's a place to Start, regarding Windows Server 2003. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/bb512919

For Command Prompt tools, here's a beginning list: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documen…s.mspx?mfr=true
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Your three posts to date appear to ask for general education regarding these two topics (Command prompt scripts & Server 2003)

Are you presently in an academic program or doing this on your own?

We can probably help you with specifics if/when you get stuck trying to accomplish as specific task.

For the time being, with regard to Server 2003 and not having internet access, it seems you may need to be sure you have all Device Drivers properly installed.

Best Regards