Installing Vista.....

[buckslayer80]

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so...
1) backup all data and partitions (what does it mean to backup partitions)....I got data done
2) by HD is like 250 (224GB working). How much should I allocate to XP and how much to Vista??? (Currently using ~30GB)
3) Boot w/ Vista disk (my disk actually has a product key on it, does that make a difference?)
4) Do I have to select which one to boot each time I restart or can I select one as default?

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1. In your case just back up your data. Then install Vista in the same directory as your XP install. It will see the XP install and cause it to dual boot.

2. Give more space to the Vista install. I'd say split it 150 Vista and 100 XP.

3. Yes, you will need the key.

4. You can alter a file to determine the amount of time the login screen is up when you boot. If you don't select one in the time allowed it will load the first OS listed. We can help you with this later.

Here's a video guide:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23mZhWZwJ3Q