Dual boot Vista/XP on Vostro 1500?

I just ordered a 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.

I called Dell and they told me that a true reinstall DVD for Vista will be shipped with the system.

What is the best way to proceed with this dual boot config?

Since Windows likes to have the oldest version installed first on a dual boot configuration, should a person wipe the HD and break down any preexisting partitions. What parititions exist from the factory?

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 few partitions, install into one partition, pop in the Vista DVD, boot, and let it do its thing in another?

Or is it better to install XP in a partition leaving Vista in place? How does this affect the MBR and the MediaDirect feature?

I have also seen where the MediaDirect CD is bootable and actually creates and installs the necessary partitions? Are there seperate Vista and XP versions?

I would like to leave the diagnostic and Media Direct partitions in place, if possible. I do not care so much about a restore partition. If I lose MediaDirect or diagnostics, its not a huge deal.


Are there any CLEAR, step by step instructions out there that anyone knows about? I have foind a nice guide on here about how to reinstall XP, but what about a dual boot?

I have posted on the Dell forums but have not received much in the way of help.

Thanks,

Paul

 

Welcome to the NBR forums.

I used this guide to set up my PCs dual boot (there is a link in it for Vista installed first installs as well):

http://apcmag.com/how_to_dualboot_vista_with_xp__stepbystep_guide_with_screenshots.htm

 

Yeah, thanks. I have that page already bookmarked. I was hoping to find something a little more specific to my model that discusses any issues with the MediaDirect and diagnostic paritions.

I can fall back on those instructions if all else fails.

Thanks.

PK

 

If you leave the diagnostic partition alone it should still work. As for the MediaDirect, I think the same should apply, but I'm not sure.

With the SATA drivers, you can just set the HDD to IDE mode in the BIOS, I doubt you will even be able to tell the performance difference.

 

I've found that to be true. There is very little to no difference performance wise especially when the drive is running at 5400rpm's.

I also have a Vostro 1500.

 

OK, what if I want to start with XP first so it claims C:? Let's say that I am starting with a blank HDD after having wiped it clean.

From what I can gather, I would boot to the Media Direct CD, where I can create both the Media Direct and the diagnostic partitions (and others?). Then, i can install XP in one partition and Vista in another. Then, after all is installed, I can install the Media Direct software for the appropriate OS? Does it matter which OS?

However, how does this affect the MBR? Vista will see XP and create a boot menu, right? Does this change to the MBR affect MediaDirect and diagnostics?

PK