Daryn, in SQL 2005 there is a feature called init from backup that will help you do it - see another article I wrote for more details http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Replication/61767/[/url]. If you're using SQL 2000 it's harder, but doable. Easy way is to lock everyone out of the publisher db while you get the copy to the subscriber, then start the process. You can also just set up replication to say the data already exists, let the log reader run, but keep the distribution agent stopped. That will pile up commands in the distribution database until you've completed your set up on the subscriber side. Experiment locally to prove the concept before you venture into the WAN scenario just to make practicing cheaper.