dell xps laptop vista reinstallation and dual boot

[stu2004]

I've dual booted many xp laptops in the past, but never a vista one. I assume I just partiton the biggest disk in vista and all is fine?

If I somehow break vista would a new vista laptop have a re-installation dvd from dell?(if it doesn't what happens if the disk dies?)

Or is there some bizarre re-installation partition on the disk? Ideally, I would like to be able to blow away vista and put it back on when I give the laptop in a few years to my other half.

Thanks,

Stu

[Gausian]

if you're buying a dell, then yes you will get a full vista disc for reinstalls.

for dual booting, use vistas built in partitioner to set up your disc, then install ubuntu on the "largest chunk of free space" option during the ubuntu install.

thats all there really is to it for dual booting with vista.

[x C0MMAND0 x]

Here is a GOOD GUIDE (http://apcmag.com/how_to_dualboot_vista_with_linux_vista_installed_f irst.htm?page=1) to help you accomplish this.

[x C0MMAND0 x]

Any even easier way, if you download an 8.1 install disc and put it in to install without having messed with Vista's partition and horrible shrink attempt, when you get to the partition part you are easily able to move a slider to set what % you want to be windows and what % to be linux. I just made mine 10% 90%.

[Gausian]

this way is easier but be warned. vista doesnt like other proograms messing with its partition and if you're unlucky, vista will have a fit.

[chickenlips]

all dells have a built in re-installation of factory settings as most of the new pc's do, when its booting i think its f12 or f11 and follow the easy to follow guide to restoring factory settings , thanks.):P

[x C0MMAND0 x]

All Vista did for me was say a change has occured, and ran through a Check Disk, but after that it was fine. The install of 8.1 is much, much easier than other versions and now I have Vista and Intrepid running just perfect.