I have several GB worth of files on a laptop that I want to back up to my desktop computer.

Any recommendations for the best way to do this?

I have a 512MB memory stick, so I could do them in batches but this will take some time.

Are there any other methods. A colleague mentioned some form of USB to USB cable, but I'm not sure exactly what this is or whether any software is needed.

I'm not very techy so don't want to remove the hard drive or anything like that.

I have a USB 160GB disc unit that I use for my backups.

You can also buy up to 5GB USB sticks

External Hard disk or DVD+R, or a crossover ethernet cable and then copy each machine to the other one.

Wireless network is not hard to do and cheap enough

Thanks guys - at this stage I just want a one off cheap solution.

The background to my request is that things are looking a little shaky at work, and I just want to back-up some of my files in case things go pear-shaped!

The external hard drives seem to make sense for a long term solution, but for now I think I will have to do them in batches with my memory stick unless there are any low cost and simple cable connection options.

My 160GB USB external hard drive was about £90. More than enough to backup a laptop.

Does your laptop have a CD or DVD burner inside? You could burn your files to disc to take home with you and at least you'll have a permanent copy.

Andy,

if you want to borrow an external brive I have a couple knocking around

Andy' date='

if you want to borrow an external brive I have a couple knocking around[/quote']

Cheers - you have PM

Assuming both you PC's have ethernet ports just buy an RJ45 Cross Over Cable for a fiver, connect the two share a drive or directory and Jobs done !

Assuming both you PC's have ethernet ports just buy an RJ45 Cross Over Cable for a fiver, connect the two share a drive or directory and Jobs done !

Yup thats deffo the best and fastest route

Howdy,

As long as one of the ports you are connecting is Gigabit you don't even need a cross-over as it will self-cross i.e. any old lan cable will do.

I'll get my coat...

I bought an external USB2 caddy so I can use any old hard disk. Cost around £25 iirc and all Win XP machines recognise it without drivers.

i use a 250Gb external USB drive. (About