I successfully created a 5GB partition (I want to keep Windows on the other partition) and I attempt to install the standard personal desktop package. When it finally tries to install, I get the message:

Error informing the kernal about modifications to partition /dev/sda3 - device or resource busy. This means Linux won't know about any changes you made to /dev/sda3 until you reboot--you shouldn't mount it or use it in any way before rebooting.

I have also tried setting up the partitions manually. I make a 4gb root as a primary partition, then a swap partition (900mb) and a /boot partition (100mb). Same results.

Some system info:
Dell Inspiron 6000
Pentium M 1.73gHz
1gb ram
ati radeon x300 video card

The only thing I do that might be out of the ordinary is on the first menu when I boot from the DVD, I type "linux vga=771" rather than just "linux", as this fixes the screen flicker I was getting before (I have no idea what it does, just that someone told me to do it and it seems to work).

Please let me know if there's any other information that might be helpful.

Thanks a lot for any advice you can offer.

Should I post this in the software forum? I am hoping it is a simple newbie question, but tell me if you think it should be moved.

use cfdisk (off a livecd or another hd), if it complains you know you have a corrupt partitian(s).

good luck