If i make a dual boot with vista and xp pro do i get 2 registries, 1 on each partition? that way i could use xp pro for programs that arent vista ready yet and the registry stuff wouldnt interfere with vista?

also does anyone know how to delete the dell hidden recovery partititon? i dont need it.

In general, you'll have a registry for XP and a registry for Vista, each on the partition that the OS is installed on. If you're dual booting, then the XP installation will function independent of the Vista installation (so you can install programs on the XP installation and they won't affect the Vista installation).

so we are looking at no problems right?

Each operating system lives in their own partition; each is fully functional with their own registry, folders, etc. There should be no problem.

You can delete the Dell recovery partition by using Disk Management. Delete the right partition then format it to whatever you like (you'll most likely want NTFS unless you're using linux).

how do i know which partition it is?

Is it labeled "recovery partition" or anything like that? I'd imagine that the recovery partition would be smaller than the rest. Take a screenshot of the Disk Management screen, that would be it easier for us to help.

I'm dual-booting w/ Vista and XP, and so far, no problems. One change i make to a OS doesn't affect the other. Just make sure u install to diff. partitions.

hope it helps.

i got a disk for drivers for this computer. is that all the info i need to install when i install xp pro as my second os?