Passed -- MCSE at last!

My score: 895.

Book I used: the IDG book (Simmons). I DON'T recommend this book (except that it comes with a trial version of MSP2 on CD) and is easy to understand.

I'm STILL not real comfortable with authentication issues, and this book addressed the topic (as well as others) inadequately (it looked like much of it was lifted right out of the MS online resources).

I also found the available dumps to be infiltrated with wrong answers.

My advice ('goes for all the tests): pick a book, any book, as your primary study tool, and then, when you're done with it, in addition to the practice exams available on the accompanying CDs and the 'net, plan to spend a couple of days in a comfortable chair at Barnes&Noble with either Exam Cram or Exam Prep. (Study the wrong answers as well as the right answers!) I don't think ANY sgl book covers everything on any test, therefore, you have to check out a "second opinion". This strategy never failed me and kept me well above the passing line (but it DOES preclude getting through the whole program "in a day", if that's what you're trying to do...).

Good luck!
shauge
A+ MCP MSCE