Mandrake installation

[davemc]

Hi there..I'm a total newbie to Linux and have decided to install mandrake on my system which currently has XP..I wish to set up a dual boot system...I bought 8.1 but when i follow the instructions to the letter it still will not install...when I place the 1st installation disk in it just gives me 4 options....the tour..create boot disk..quick install guide and exit..I've tried making a boot disk but xp keeps giving me errors.....please could you give me any suggestions...regards..

[hastx]

Have you tried setting your BIOS to boot from cd? And did you make sure there is enough free space on the drive?