Recent Install problems

I recently installed Vista and the first two times I tried to install it
failed to install correctly and had to restore XP. I finally got it on the
third try but now it seems everytime I log in it takes double the time of xp.
Everything on the processes under the task manager is double aswell. Why? How
can I tell if XP is on too or is it something else. I'm also getting an error
whenever i click on just about anything non internet related. it read the
program must close to allow a preious installation to finish. Everything that
I have tried to install is done or comepletely romeved to my knowledge. And
recently my sidabar no longer works. I have some serious issues with windows
since 98 and i was hoping vista would change that. can someone please help