Can't install Redhat 8...

I have a win98 partition(32GB) first because I know how windows likes to be first.;) I'm trying to install redhat on my second partition(5GB). I used fips.exe in dos to nondestructively change my partition size. When I go to choose which drive I want to install linux on it gives me messages like bios geometry is incorrect, etc. Once I ignore that, I have a problem with choosing where to install it. I have tried the "keep all partitions and use existing free space" option because that's what you are supposed to do if you don't want to erase anything, or don't have any previous linux partitions on the disk-correct? I don't know what the problem is, but this is seriously pissing me off. I already had to reload 98 because I screwed up the windows partition when I first tried to install the darn thing. Yes, I did defrag before using fips. Thanks.

I think you are running into a problem with your MBR.

Of all those things no offence you are better off trying to install RH first as its newer, and has the capability to play nicer with legacy OSes like 98.

What is "MBR"-multi boot something maybe?
So, I should reformat, create two partitions, install redhat, install 98. I assume I would have to put redhat on the primary partition and 98 on the second/extended partition? I would prefer to have 98 on the primary. Thanks, I never thought of installing redhat first.

MBR=Master Boot Record.

Its that part on your Hard drive where all the critical information is stored...the partition table who is Primary and where they start, etc.

I am not very experienced with Dual Booting with Linux (I just started using RH8 like a week ago personaly). But I know for certain they dont play well, and that unless there is some cooperative multiboot function, you are going to need to stealth the Linux partition if you want 98 to be primary.

How do I stealth it? I don't really want to buy a program for this if its somehting like norton ghost. Has XP fixed all of these problems?