Dual-booting; should I install Vista or XP first?

Which would make my life easier? I'm planning on completely reformatting both HDDs and doing fresh installs, one OS on each. Which would be easier/have less problems setting up? I've had some problems in the past with getting the Vista bootloader to detect XP then I had problems getting XP to boot, so I want everything to be perfect this time.

 

I've never had a problem when I install XP first, then Vista.

If for some reason Vista doesn't detect the XP installation and put an entry in it's bootloader, you can use EasyBCD from NeoSmart to make it all work.

 

It's recommended that you install the older OS first (XP) then install Vista.

 

Alright, I will try this. Last time I did this I had to use EasyBCD, then XP stopped booting, etc. I was just a pain.

Also, is the partition utility on the setup disk enough to completely wipe the HDD of all partitions then create a smaller one for the OS? Or will it only erase the selected partition?

 

you can use it to completely wipe and recreate multiple partitions.

 

Thanks a bunch.

 

One final question, should I use my OEM Vista install CD from Sager, or should I use a standard Vista Ultimate ISO?

 

If your OEM CD is a real windows disc and not a restore disc, go with that. Definitely install XP first. Vista will automatically create an entry in the boot loader for XP. Then from within Vista if you want to make XP the default use bcdedit with the default option.

 

It says "Midern Computer Recovery DVD-ROM," but I've used it to install before, I just wasn't sure if it was loaded with bloatware or whatnot.

 

It may have some bloatware but it'll come with all your drivers. On the other hand if you have a legit copy of Ultimate, you could install with that if you want to gather all of your drivers beforehand. That way you'd have the latest drivers and no bloatware.

 

I have a separate CD of all my drivers that came with the computer. Couldn't I just burn an .iso of the retail CD since I have a valid serial number?

 

You could use the original vista Ultimate retail disc if you own it, that's what I meant by a legit copy. Otherwise use your restore disc from the manufacturer. DO NOT use any other installation media, or even allude to it, since it is pirated!