It's seems that u have gotten the system crapped up, don't worry as there is always a solution. Installation of windows vista and xp has always been a nightmare for many people. To install both softwares, the easier path is.
Make 2 partitions on your harddrive
Install windows xp first on one of the partitions
Then install windows vista (FULL EDITION) on the other partition.
make sure the partition for windows vista meets the minimum requirements.
If as u've said u already have windows vista installed, u can still create a partition out of the harddrive, u can use windows management to do that or u use a software such as partition magic or preferably EasyBCD. it is graphical and as the name implies very easy.
if these does not solve your problem or u need more info u can mail me.
browsedavid@yahoo.com