You can use Xp's NTLDR to boot Debian. My Just booting tips Task E4 refers. However if NTLDR can chainload Debian Grub then Debian must be already bootable by Grub. NTLDR can only boot a Linux by chainloading installed as I described in Task E4.

For the first Linux I usually use a Linux Live CD to create a Type 83 partition for Debian and another Type 82 for swap, say using cfdisk.

During Debian installation I would tell the installer to use the Type 83 partition to format as Ext3 and mount it as /. The installer would know how to use the swap without instruction. The /home in this case is inside /. I never have any trouble install any of the 100+ Linux this way. The 2nd and above Linux I only create a Typr 83 partition.

When you install Debian and wanting to use GRub to dual boot you have to install Grub in the MBR. You can do this after a Linux installation using a Linux Live CD. My Just booting tips has tonnes of tips.

You can use a logical or primary partition for Type 83 or 82 in Linux installation.