Computer Help

camaro mark · April 5, 2010

I currently have a desktop computer which my internet is hooked to. I also have a wireless router for the laptop. I would like to get rid of the key board, mouse and monitor for the desktop (free up some space)and just use the laptop.

However here is my question. Is it possible (using the laptop) to access the harddrive on the desktop?

I consider myself somewhat tech savoy but maybe this is better left to the pros?

mfennema · April 5, 2010

You could always just dump the files from the hard drive of the desktop to a portable hard drive and then you could access them from the laptop anywhere you want. That way you could get rid of the tower as well but keep the monitor for an external monitor if you desire. Just a thought...

camaro mark · April 5, 2010

You could always just dump the files from the hard drive of the desktop to a portable hard drive and then you could access them from the laptop anywhere you want. That way you could get rid of the tower as well but keep the monitor for an external monitor if you desire. Just a thought...

I didn't think about that. Maybe I'll give that a try.

SavageNFS · April 5, 2010

I currently have a desktop computer which my internet is hooked to. I also have a wireless router for the laptop. I would like to get rid of the key board, mouse and monitor for the desktop (free up some space)and just use the laptop.

However here is my question. Is it possible (using the laptop) to access the harddrive on the desktop?

I consider myself somewhat tech savoy but maybe this is better left to the pros?

Get windows 7, create a home group and share files between the computers over your network with ease.

If getting Windows 7 is not an option, post what OS you are using on both computers and I'll try and help you.

mfennema · April 5, 2010

Going that direction doesn't allow him to free up space though. And its a lot more expensive than a portable hard drive...

SavageNFS · April 5, 2010

Going that direction doesn't allow him to free up space though. And its a lot more expensive than a portable hard drive...

Given that he hasn't posted his OS, he may not need to spend a penny. Why would he not be able to free up space? He can basically use the desktop computer as a network storage drive (NAS) and it would be more reliable than a portable HDD. There would only be a need for the keyboard, mouse and monitor when he chooses.

Nick The Great · April 5, 2010

So . . . you just want to get rid of your desktop?

The external drive option would be the cheapest/best. Just having the desktop on without a keyboard, mouse, and monitor seems like you're asking for trouble. You know you'd be dragging them out of the closest to see WTF the box isn't working.

And you haven't mentioned a printer either?

TexasAl · April 6, 2010

If you only need access to the hard drive, you can purchase an external drive adapter (enclosure + wire) that will fit your hard drive. That will allow you access to all your files on your hard drive via USB. Another option is to purchase an external drive adapter with networking capabilities, that will essentially allow you to plug it into a router, and you will be able to access all your files when on your home network. There are a lot of affordable option on Ebay. I hope this helps.

camaro mark · April 6, 2010

sorry guys I haven't had a chance to respond. I like the external hard drive option but ideally I think I would like to keep the desk top. We do have a wireless print server already installed as well. To be honest everything works pretty good (with the exception of not being able to access desktop hard drive) so I'm not sure I want to mess with the current set up.

Laptop's current OS is XP and I'm honestly not sure anymore what we are running on the desktop. I think I'm going to investigate file sharing which I believe someone mention. I assume both computers must run the same OS for this to work?

mfennema · April 6, 2010

If you made a copy of your HD onto a portable HD you could access it using the desktop or your laptop anywhere you want. Just a thought. I'm not too techy so I don't know how to set up some of these other things people are suggesting.

tomasg921 · April 6, 2010

create a network and make sure both computers are part of the same network, Make sure you have a user account with the same name on both computers with the same password. Map the drive you want access to by using the following path. \\desktopname\sharename

or \\desktopname\c$ If the printer is setup on the desktop, you can share that too and connect to it that way. as long as the desktop is turned on, you will have access to all files and even priner.

Edit: no, the operating systems dont have to be the same, as long as they are on the same network and have an Identical account. This is the easy way without having to run a domain... but thats another storry If you are running W2K or anything else, on the desktop, it will still work. there are many whitepapers and info on setting this up if you have problems with it, or you can ask for more detailed info.