How do i create new partitions in XPS M1530 preserving the recovery partition?

i've got my XPS just yest and i saw that there are three partitions made
1)Main Where OS is installed
2)For Recovery
3)For MediaDirect

i dont want the mediadirect partition and would like to split the main partition(1) into three so that i can also install LINUX.
But i was not able to split the partitions from within vista using Shrink and New Volume.
Is there a way i preserve the recovery partition as it is and remove the mediadirect partitions and and split the main partition into three.

 

Use gparted, great program & it runs off a CD(linux based).

 

Ubuntu is a good option if you want to make partitions
I've done this several times and it has never once messed up my HDD
Just download their live cd stick it in wait for it too boot up go to System and its either in Administration or Preferences i forget which
and maybe you should give Ubuntu a shot also
its a great distro very easy to use and has alot of community support

 

Administration.
Yes, gparted is one the ubuntu CD, but if your not going to use Ubuntu, then download the 50MB gParted CD.

 

I'd say do a fresh install using this guide.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=157838

Then you can partition/format the D partition any way you want when you're done installing Vista. I also recommend the Ubuntu Live CD. It's great to have around.