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#1600
It's always best to install the older OS first, so if you're amenable to clean reinstall then I'd follow Option One in this tutorial to have best performance.
The only way I know to always avoid problems in Dual Boot is to use separate HD's Dual-booted via the BIOS, which I understand is likely not possible on your laptop.
You can get by with a full format using the XP CD to create the target partition of the size you want before install.
Then boot the Win7 installer to create and format it's partition in the unallocated space you left for it. Clean Install Windows 7
If there are any install probs, Clean the boot sector from Win7 DVD: SSD - HDD Optimize for Windows Reinstallation
Is Vista the native OS that came with your HP?
Last edited by gregrocker; 13 Jan 2012 at 23:32. Reason: tute tute