XPS m1530 Dual Boot Partition Problems (Vista/XP)

I have searched for a solution to this problem, but I have no answer.

I am *trying* to install XP on my new m1530.

I deleted the RECOVERY partition and now have 3 partitions.

1. Dell BIOS
2. Dell Media Buttons
3. OS

I then took the unallocated space 70gb and created a 4th partition for XP

4. XP

I used all of the correct settings NTFS . . .etc.

Before I install XP, I go into the BIOS and turn off the Flash Cache, and change the HD setting so that XP can read the HD.

The problem is when I get through the first few screens on the XP install, I only see one partition as opposed to 2, with my newly created blank XP partition.

Here is what I see:

C: Partition1 [Unknown] 131072 MB (131071 MB free)

~~~~

I should see:

C: OS 70 GB
D: XP 70 GB

Any ideas on how I can get the XP installation to recognize the new partition, and not lump them into two?

To my knowledge the XP CD I have IS SP2 - but I am not positive what is one way to verify it?

I appreciate your help in advance, thanks.

 

did you check in "My Computer" after creating the new partition to make sure it was created? What did you name it?

How big is your hdd? 160GB?

Is it a dell re-installation xp disk? Is should say on the disk or the cover if it's sp1 or sp2.

 

Yes it is a 160 GB HD.

It is a Dell Re-Install Disk...it does not say on the Cover, it is 6 years old, I am assuming it is SP1.

Any ideas?