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When it comes to dual boot systems, I have a strict method of doing things that works 100% of the time:

Install Windows.
Turn off computer, move Windows HDD to slave or secondary master position.
Install Linux on new master drive, putting bootloader (Grub or Lilo) into the MBR of the new master drive.
Edit Linux bootloader to point to Windows as an option. It is possible to make Windows the default OS in this way.

This process allows you to (a) install Windows in the manner it likes, and (b), install Linux exactly like a stand-alone distro, thus ensuring that everything works correctly.

If you already have an existing Windows installation, you can obviously skip step 1 above. Just move the drive to a secondary position and move your new, empty HDD to the master position.

I'm a software person and know next to nothing about hardware or system admin.

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.