Is it recommended to load both XP and Vista on a new computer, and if so, is a larger hardrive the w

I'm tentatively in the market for a new laptop (desktop replacement). I'd like to use both OSs since much of my stored material was created under XP, but I want to be able to accomodate Vista as well.

Is it recommended to load both XP and Vista on a new computer, and if so, is a larger hardrive the way to go?nortan antivirus

With Vista you ARE giong to have to get a bigger hard drive. Vista itself takes about 2 gigs of hard drive.............and with a laptop its not the best idea...................for now i would suggest getting XP and then waiting until more software is compatible with Vista

Is it recommended to load both XP and Vista on a new computer, and if so, is a larger hardrive the way to go?nortonantivirus

I would hold off on Vista till after Thanksgiven (November) to install\order. Microsoft has a history of bugs till the first Service Pack.

However if you choose to order Vista I would order the largest drive you can. Configure 3 partitions. For the sake of the example lets say C:\ 40gb, D:\ 40gb, and E:\ 80gb.

I would install Vista on C:\, since it will eventually be your primary OS. Install XP Pro on D:\, and save all data and files to E:\. Be sure and install ALL of your programs on C:\ or D:\.

The reason for this is three fold.

1) Both Vista and XP will be able to access the files and data on the E:\. If you do away with XP there is no pain.

2) If you (when) you remove XP all you will have to do in expand th E:\ partition to increase usable space.

3) If you corrupt partitions C:\ or D:\ your data and files will not be lost. All you do is a clean install and your back up and running.