You need download software and driver first. I did try the win7/win8, winxp/win7 dual boot.
1) Download the easyus Partition Manager Software free edition.
http://www.partition-tool.com/landing/home-download.htm , because you need make the partition for the win8.
2) Download the intel AHCI controller driver. File name:f6flpy-x86.zip. Unzip it to the USB, the X64 zip file for win8 64-bit if you want. Use it for installation winXP because winxp does not comes with it, when you install winxp w/o it you will get the BSOD (Blue Screen of Death). And newer version windows like vista, win7, and win8 come with the driver.
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=22194
3) Other dell laptop drivers like the network, audio, keypad, etc from dell website.
4) Check the link to see how to load the intel ahci driver during installation for winXP, it is from youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oDT40ewh90
Now you are better to install the old version winodws first, order like 2000, winXp, vista, win7, and win8.
1) Star the computer, press the "del or F2, or F12" key to enter the BIOS, check the manual first from your laptop. set the boot order like DVD 1st, HDD is 2nd, also in the storage mode to AHCI, load the winXP CD to the DVD/CD drive, save and exit.
2) Restart the computer, "press any key to boot from DVD/ CD" when you see this on the screen then press one key. During that time you will load the intel ahci driver by inserting the USB with the ahci driver to linstall it. After that you can done the winXP installation without any problem.
3) Install all other driver from dell website you download, also antiviruse, winXP updates.
4) After done the winXP, you need install the "easyUs Partition Manager Software" to make the partition for the win8. If you need more info and go to here.
http://www.easeus.com/support/online-help.htm
5) After have the partition for the win8 I will label it "win8", insert the win8 dvd, restart the computer, to load the win8 dvd to install it. Win8 does come with ahci driver, but If you want you can use the X64 files ( I think you should have the 64-bit version win8) to install the driver.
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/9573-sata-driver-load-windows-8-setup.html
6) After those, update win8, install antivirus software, other software you want, you are set. You will have the option to choose boot from win8 or earlier version of windows to boot the laptop.
I add the similar dual boot win7/win8 if you can find some info. http://www.howtogeek.com/74335/how-to-dual-boot-windows-7-and-windows-8/
Good luck, and have fun.