In the end it was Plan B which worked!
F10 to restore factory settings - Vista
Sony website via MacBook Pro
Sony now offer DOWNgrade to Windows XP!
Download Sony .zip files - Utilities and Drivers to MacBook Pro
Re-install XP from CD - deleting partitions as suggested above, except recovery partition so I can restore factory settings in the future.
Transfer Sony downloaded files via flash drive to Sony Vaio.
Install files one by one onto Vaio, as described on the Sony website - reading info on MacBook Pro as I carried out the instructions on Vaio.
Activate Windows XP.
Install Sky broadband.
Install Microsoft Office.
HAPPY BUNNY!!!
Only took 7 hours in total.
Partner happy too with Sony Vaio now working and downloading via BitComet!
Thanks again for your help and if the above is of any use to anyone else then it's been a doubly useful exercise?!
KR
SITW
