Followed this really well written guide at the following link:

• http://apcmag.com/how_to_dualboot_vista_with_linux_vista_installed_first.htm

It worked perfectly and everything seems to be stable.

A couple notes:

• I chose 20 GB for the Ubutu partion of my drive. Maybe should have gone bigger.
• Vista’s defragmenter is kind of inadequate so I had to go with a 3rd party software to clear enough space on the drive.