Hi Julie,

>1. Want to install MSDE 2000 with an instance name and use sql authentication. I found a switch in set for instance name but the securitymode looks like it has to be set up after by changing the registry? Is this correct?

You can do that during installation. See See mskb #Q285097 INF: How to Change the Default Login Authentication Mode to SQL While Installing SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine by Using Windows Installer.

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>2. Also how do I create the login id and password I want to use for the sql authentication piece?

See sp_addlogin in BOL