After trying to partition my hard drive...

do this:
1. boot from the xp cd
2. delete all partitions
3. create a new partition for xp (the size you want it)
3a. do NOT partition the remaining free space
4. install xp to that newly created partition
5. when done, config your xp the way you want.
6. boot w/ the nubuntu cd
7. after disks detected and partitioner loads, select to install it in the free space, it will automatically create the 2 needed partitions (1 for file system and 1 for swap)
8. elect to install grub to mbr, grub will auto detect the xp install & create the boot menu so you can select which os to load at boot.

 

boot from the xp cd
delete all partitions (including the linux partitions)
make new partition(s)
install xp to desired partition

personally, I make 20-30 gb partition used for xp and all installed programs, then use rest for 1 or more other partitions to store my media, documents, etc, which won't get wiped out if have to format & install the operating system again.

 

try it!
if no joy, boot from the knoppix cd and run disk management or a partition utility. Open a terminal and type:
cfdisk
or run the program called QTparted

remember, to work with partitions in linux you must first UNMOUNT them:

Once Knoppix is running you must now Unmount all partitions.
You do this by going into My Computer you will then see all of the partitions. Right click on one of them it will then give you the option to unmount. Select it and it will then be unmounted you must do this for all of the partitions. You must do this for all of the drives or else the computer can't be partitioned. Click on the KDE logo then go to run application and type qtparted in lowercase then hit run or click QTParted in the menu.