I'd loosen all of the spokes, and then work your way around the wheel to tighten them evenly.
Yup, a bit at a time. I hook it all up, then start to snug up. I thread half way, all the way around, then go around again, tightening each nipple a bit more. Repeat this until spokes ate snug. Finger snug, if possible. If all looks good, then start to dish and true. Or...
Help us with some pictures. This is interesting.