Look at these MSKB search results. Having been there before, my first guess is incorrect DNS configuration.

>Dear the Expert,
>I am very new with this, I have installed Windows 2000 Advance server, what I donot understand is why the "Preparing network.. " process takes too long?
>could any body please give me solution? .. I have stuck on this for almost 2 weeks, this process is make me boring for waiting?
>
>many thanks in advance
>
>Regards
>Winan