Dell partitions: Delete?

So I just got my new Vostro 1400 and began my xp installation and noticed theres the Recovery partition and Dell MD partion. Each taking up about 10GB and 3GB. I know the recovery partition has all the drivers/Vista Backup. And if I'm not mistaking the Dell MD is just alot of bloatware? Should I just delete the 2 partitions?: given that I know how to retrieve drivers and reinstall windows when i need to.

 

Well for the recovery partition it depends.
But unless you Don't want 1 button access to your media don't delete the MD partition its not bloatware it the Dell Media Direct Software

 

I was wondering this as well, but I was planning on installing Ubuntu on the recovery since I don't ever use it.

 

Delete them. You already have your software on the discs they sent you. Or if you don't have the disks you can request them and they mail them out to you for free.

IMO, Those partitions are a total waste of space.

 

I made a new partition that I was going to put XP on, but I changed my mind, How do I re-absorb it into the main partition? The option to expand the partition on the main is grayed out.

 

Yes the Dell Recovery partition occupying around 10 GB is a waste and you can safely remove it but as for the MD partition if you delete it you will lose the direct MD access by booting using the MD button..... And not only that when you remove that partition and boot the PC using MD button it will start to behave strangely..... For me I messed up that partition and my system was continuously rebooting showing the DELL screen again and again and a few others have reported that it tries to create the MD partition again in the partition table overwriting any existing partitions in that area.... So take care while you play around with that MD partition.... IMO the best option is to keep it intact all times.....