I have stuff in Windows that I don't want to lose. It is backed up, of course, but it would take a LOT of work to put it back, plus licensed downloads, etc. If something goes wrong ... well, it won't be a good thing.
Actually, I do have another PC I can try this method on, and probably will, but it doesn't help me with this one.
If something does go wrong, and, of course it will, how can I recover the original MBR, etc. I am worried if this is too great a risk just to get Linux installed. I want to install this, but cannot risk destroying MS at this point. My job depends upon having MS working.
I DID have this dual-boot (Win XP/Mandrake) running once before on this PC, so I know it IS capable. I lost the Mandrake kernal (completely my fault) and had to reinstall. The first time I installed it I had some guy screw it up and I lost Windows and CANNOT take that chance again.
I think you are misunderstanding me. The linux bootloader goes on the MBR of the new master--not your Windows drive. You will not touch your windows drive at all during the installation of Linux onto the new master drive.