I'm far from an expert, but here are some suggestions/hints based upon my experience:
--I didn't install Linux on my master hard drive, and still managed to complete the process.
However, I did have freezes in my installation at various times and places. I fixed my problem by installing from my
master CD drive.
So, my question is, do you have two CD drives like me? If you do, try installing from the master CD drive. I know it seems rather bizzarre that it would matter whether the CD drive you're using is slave or master, but it worked for me.
--Also, it is important what hardware you are using. During my initial attempt at installing Linux I used a computer with too slow of processor and too little ram for handling Mandrake Linux. This problem also caused my install to crash/freeze.
--Last, any of the gurus around here will want you to check summ your iso files. You should be able to find instructions for doing this via a search of the forum.
You might find these previous threads helpful:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...878#post417878
(posts of possible help are only toward the end of the following thread)
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...062#post353062
Hope this is of some help . . .