Whats the best way to transfer files from a computer to another?!... (desktop to a laptop)...?

Question

please dont say "burn cds".
The desktop has windows xp home
and the laptop has windows xp media center...I dont think it can make a network, but im not sure about it.

If I conect one network cable in the laptop and the other end on the desktop can I creat a network and transfer?

Answer 1

You sure can make a network, but you'll need a 'cross-over' ethernet cable, which is like a regular ethernet cable, but 2 of the wires are switched from one end to the other. Connect the cross cable to both computers, then turn them on. Under 'Start', click on 'My Network Places' and then on the left, select the 'Setup a home or small office network'. Do this on both computers, ENSURING YOU USE THE SAME WORKGROUP NAME ON BOTH!!!!! Then enable file sharing and you should be in business. Keep in mind that if you have files all over the drive that you want to copy, you may have to go into the drive's properties and share the 'root' of the drive, otherwise you won't be able to access them.

This is somewhat simplified and rushed, but you can find more information about setting up a home network all over the web.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The best way would be to network them, create 'shared' folders and move the files over. This would probably also be the fastest way, but can get a little complicated. The least expensive way to network two computers is with a Crossover Cable. A crossover is a unique type of cat-5 cable that can link two computers directly to eachother without any other hardware. Create shared folders on both computers once the crossover is in place and you should be able to drag and drop the files. You could create data DVD's or CD's, which would transfer the files and also make a backup of your collection. Burn the disc(s), copy files into the laptop and voila.

Answer 3

A USB drive would be easy... but having a network both can share is generally the easiest way. Otherwise, yes, yu'll need to copy them to a media both can read... like a cd or dvd or USB drive.

Try a cross-over cable to network them directly together. Talk to a geek at a computer store

Answer 4

As it appears you don't have a clue what you are doing it would be easier for you, and at little cost, to either burn your files onto a CD and then copy them back on to the other machine, or to use a portable USB flash drive.

Creating a home network using a cross over network cable is relatively straight forward though providing both machines have LAN connection ports and you can get them close together

Answer 5

I think they should be able to network. Which would be the best way if it's a lot of files. Depending on the file size and your email account, you might be able to email them to yourself, then simply download it on the other computer. Zipping them up with WinZip would help with that as well. Another way is with one of those removeable memory sticks which for some reason I'm blanking on the name.

Answer 6

I suggest get 2 bluetooth thumb drives and you can transfer files wirelessly. I have seen good ones for really cheap, about 15 dollars so buy two for 30 and you are set. It also is pretty fast... you can also transfer HUGE files and just keep them close approximately 10 to 15 feet and you are ok... thats easy!

good luck

Answer 7

Well, network them together; YES, you can. Get one of those USB transfer cables. Use a flash drive. For small files, email them to yourself.

Answer 8

I have a 4 gig usb mini hard drive. I've found it's a hell of a lot faster than using the network. I got mine from simpleTech, 48 dollars.

Answer 9

You can either use a external hard drive, a flash drive, or link both machines together through a localized network where files are shared.

Answer 10

I use a 2 GB USB thumb drive. You can buy them for less than $50 and they work great. XP immediately recognizes them when you plug them in.