OK Sylvie, let's see if we can't get this done for you.
Here is an overview of the way to partition your hard drive with vista installed: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMo-NnbQsGQ[/youtube]
Further, there is an application that is free for home use. You can download it here:
http://www.easeus.com/download.htm
Hopefully, you have vista 32 bit installed as this edition is free. If so, download and install.Here is an overview of the partitioning process using this software: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTAvuGeLuUM[/youtube]
For an explanation of how to use the new partition as a dual boot machine, watch this: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIG0mBibTtc[/youtube]
Once you have reinstalled your xp, you would reinstall your applications and go back to working with them the way you used to. There are MANY more detailed videos on youtube, including 5 from this poster.
You can watch as many as you want until you feel comfortable enough to take the plunge.
Let me know how this works for you and once you have this working, we can address the open office part, unless you want to reinstall msoffice on the xp partition.
I'll check back. Good luck.
