If I would be you I would take on this step and install everything from scratch, first XP then Vista. You don't need to backup all your data on the HD though, just defragment the drive and see if you can "cut off" some smaller part of your HD for a second partition without losing the data on the HD, before beginning with re-installing everything. If successful, all you need is just to delete all system and other folders that have to do with Vista, keeping all files in your own documents folder and everything else. Then install XP first and Vista after.
The advantages of re-installing both operating systems anew are:
- A fresh installation of both, not burdened with all installed programs and countless registry entries yet.
- Best guarantees of both operating systems working well together after such step, without need to worry about "re-animating" Vista after Windows XP has been installed
The disadvantage is clear - takes much time, work and patience. But maybe still worth it.
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