I've read a lot of posts asking how to setup nameservers with helm / cPanel etc but how can it be done without these? I'm new to dedicated servers and although I've worked out how to use MS's nameservers, I'd like to use my own as I want to provide hosting. Any help appreciated.

cpanel its pretty easy
you also login to root via ssh and check the following files and make changes as needed

pico /etc/nameserverips

pico /etc/resolv.conf

pico /etc/wwwacct.conf

if i missed anything im sure someone will fill ya in..i belive this is all
been so long since iv set my servers up..

Hi,

Sorry, I'm trying to set it up without a control panel, on a Windows 2003 server.

err duh..hah.sorry.still earily for me..

just edit the DNS within windows

Well I am a newbie so any help with how to do that would be appreciated

First, you must add DNS server as a Windows 2003 Server Role, then you edit DNS via the DNS snap in.

Other option, you can pay me to set it up and give you a lesson in Microsoft DNS. However, I assume you understand A records, CNAME records and MX records.