im about to buy a new pc.... My question is... is there a way to connect my laptop up to a pc in order to transfer all my files / folders etc.

My cd / dvd burner has broken on my laptop, so i cannot burn the folders to a disk.

Few options open to you:

1. External storage - depending on how much you want to transfer, you could get a memory stick with about 512Mb on it pretty cheap, or if you've got a lot of stuff you might want to get an external hard disk.

2. Get yourself a "disk caddy"...you then take your laptop hard disk out, fit it into the caddy, and this then plugs into your PC via USB. You can then copy the files across.

3. Get yourself a router and network the two computers...then you can transfer the files between the two, and share your broadband connection too.

4. Just get a crossover cable - bit like the above, but you connect the computers directly to each other...

Rob.

Many many ways...

By far the best and most reliable method is of course networking....now if that's got you in a cold shiver don't panic it's a doddle really, no honestly it is.

It's no worse than pluging a kettle in and turning it on.

Ok, firstly how do you connect to the internet?

Let's for the moment assume it' a usb modem type affair in your desktop pc.

there are a lot of sites suggesting ways of shaing connections, if you even wish to use both after the event.

Either way thats slghlty off topic.

There are a lot of hme networking site s out there so to be brutally honest I will not repeat what they write. Howver a small home network of a hub, 2 cables, maybe pluggedin to a router, should not cost you more than £30 and take

You would basically need a cheerfull switch / hub, your router or adsl box may already have these items. So check first, but then order the bits and bobs from your local online store or pay extra from a high street store.

Have a google and a read over lunch, will be done for the weekend I am sure

That's assuming both machines have network cards - you can also get crossover usb cables if you have not - I've never used one though so don't blame me if it's rubbish.

I'd go with option 4 above though.

cross over cable seems the easiest for me!

do i need software for this?

True, although most laptops have a lan cable and most desktops worth there salt should have...if not then drop me a PM I've got more of them than good roof titles.

If not then search on bluetooth networking, or USB external storage, which is actually beneficial in the long run

Can even get the latter as a USB2 device which you plug into a USB port on both (preferably a USB2 one, USB1(.1) will work but be slower of course).

Works a treat. This is in addition to the stuff Rob's already suggested - I've got all his options covered at home :D

Mine's hooked up to my router, but if you've not got one thats expensive - would be cheaper to renew the CDR-W.

Crossover cable is cool though - Might have to unshare/share folders/directories on each PC to allow transfers - I know I did to use my router.