problems installing ubuntu 7.10

[PC N3WB]

Hi so today i plucked up the courage to try linux (before now all i have used is windows) so i decided on ubuntu because it is the only one i have heard of, i have downloaded it fine there is no defect with the CD, but for some reason it wont install on 3 different hard disks i can get to the desktop and try and install it but apparently there is -512B's of space 0MB free space partion space, and every time i try and give a disk label to create a parttion the GNOME partition thing crashses
can any one help i am totally new to linux?? (I am trying a dual boot hard disk set up not a multi partition hard disk)
HDD tried:
Maxtor 3.2GB
Fujitisu 20.5 GB
Western digital 10GB

Rest of system specs: (old system)
1200MHz Athlon socket A CPU
Soltek motherboard VIA chipset
2x 128MB 133MHz crucial SDRAM
1X Infineon 133MHz 256MB SDRAM
ATI Radeon 9250 128MB
Sony DVD-ROM
Lite-on CD-RW
Coolermaster Socket A CPU Cooler
(Another) Western digital 10GB
Windows XP Home edition

Any help would be most appreciated!?

 

[tgrimley]

Hi,

In my experience ubuntu installs work better when you boot into the installer rather than the live desktop. gparted crashes for me more than anything else.

Best results will also come from people on ubuntuforums.org

g'luck