Two questions

first, i know how to make a preloader that plays an animation for 100 frames, so it corresponds to 100% loaded, but then when i use that same code for the external swf files that im loading in for the content pages, it just strobes after the preloader animation is done. also, i want to know the best place to start learning how to make 100% by 100% full flash layouts. i tried one tutorial, but im not even sure what i have to keep the same to make another one. so whats the best place/tutorial to learn how to make those? thanks!