Dual boot Vista/XP on Dell Vostro 1500

I am thinking about getting a Dell Vostro 1500 laptop with Vista Home Premium installed. However, I must be able to dual boot Win XP. I know that the model supports XP, as it is an option on purchase. I have my own copy of Win XP Home with SP2 that I can install.

From what I can gather, Dell DOES ship a true reinstall DVD for Vista, yes?

Since Windows likes to have the oldest version installed first on a dual boot configuration, then I would need to wipe the HD and break down any preexisting partitions. What parititions exist from the factory? I would imagine there is a restore partiton...should I leave it alone?

Once the HD is wiped, then I would need to install XP, but I have learned that since XP does not have SATA drivers, would need to either slipstream them into an XP CD (I have never done this) or could a person use an external USB floppy drive to load the SATA drivers?

After this hurdle, it should be a breeze, yes? Create an XP partition, install into that partition, pop in the Vista DVD, boot, and let it do its thing in the remaining space?

Also, does this monkeying around affect that MediaDirect feature? Is it a partition that needs to stay where it is?

I just want to know what I would be looking at for difficulty before I make my decision.

Are there any CLEAR, step by step instructions out there that anyone knows about?


Thanks

PK

 

1 - Not sure. I know HP does. Ask in Dell forum.

2 - If Dell doesn't ship an OS/restore disk, it's best to leave the restore partition alone. You can resize the other empty one(s) & insert another for 2 OSes.

3 - Correct. Install XP 1st & Vista last.

4 - No idea about MediaDirect. Ask in Dell's forum. at dell.com.

5 - Yup, ask in Dell's forum. Seriously.

 

Did ask in Dell forum. Not getting great results there either.