Formatting my laptop

[Jazz07]

So I've come to the conclusion that I want to format my HP Pavilion with Vista, and dual-boot it with Ubuntu. It's become quite slow, and i basically
just want to start over.

What's the easiest way to do this? It came pre-installed with Vista and I didn't create any recovery discs when I got it, which I assume is required
for formatting a pc.

Any advice is appreciated.

[PrntRhd]

You were supposed to burn a set of recovery disks when it was first set up, it prompts you to do that.
What store sold you this laptop?

[Jazz07]

Yes I know that, and I should have made recovery discs.
It's two years old now though, and I've never needed them until now.

[PrntRhd]

You should be able to get a recovery disk from HP's support site but they will charge you for that disk plus shipping and handling fees.
Before you format anything, get the key for the Windows install from the laptop by using Magic Jellybean utility. An OEM Windows license is tied to the mainboard of the PC/laptop.

[Jazz07]

Ok, thank you.
Is it of any difference that I have an recovery partition as default on my laptop?