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Using CD-RW/DVD Device of a Desktop as External Device for a Laptop ??

Anonymous
2011-02-16T20:31:38+00:00

Hello;

1) The internal combo CD-RW/DVD device in a desktop works fine.  That in a laptop is defective.

Both computers run Win XP Home.

2) Can I temporarily connect the two computers and use the working device in the desktop as an external device for the laptop ??

(Buying an external DVD-CD/RW is an expensive alternative!!)

3) If it is possible and relatively easy to do, can someone please describe or provide a link to How-To ??

Thank you kindly.

Monir

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-02-17T04:38:29+00:00

    Hi,

    All you need will be IDE to USB convertor, You can remove your dvd drive from PC and connect it to IDS to USB convertor cable.

    IDE to USB Convertor: It connect to IDE CD/DVD or IDE Hdd and other side of this connector is a USB - which will go to your laptop USB port, so if you plan to frequently use CD/DVD with PC and laptop you can keep the drive outside the Desktop and connect to desktop the same way you connect to laptop.

    Hope this helps.

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-02-17T11:53:13+00:00

    Sure, just share the DVD-CD drive and it will be accessible on the other computer as any other shared drive or folder.

    John

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-02-17T04:45:39+00:00

    Hi,

    All you need will be IDE to USB convertor, You can remove your dvd drive from PC and connect it to IDS to USB convertor cable.

    IDE to USB Convertor: It connect to IDE CD/DVD or IDE Hdd and other side of this connector is a USB - which will go to your laptop USB port, so if you plan to frequently use CD/DVD with PC and laptop you can keep the drive outside the Desktop and connect to desktop the same way you connect to laptop.

    Hope this helps.

    Since you are using XP Home, Administrative share is not available for you, you can also try using windows simple file sharing:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304040

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-02-17T16:00:52+00:00

    With XP Home you need to log on to Safe Mode to disable Simple File sharing.

    After you disable Simple file sharing and while still in Safe Mode right click on the CD drive and select Sharing or select Properties to share the drive.

    Only the items that you share will be accessible to others, you can share the CD drive without sharing other resources.

    John

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  5. Anonymous
    2011-02-17T14:56:48+00:00

    Thank you Saurabh and John for your prompt replies.

    1) The MS link:

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304040

    addresses how to use the Simple File Sharing feature to share files in Windows XPProfessional.

    The option "Use simple file sharing" is not on the list of "Folder Options" on my two computers.

    In fact, the above MS Support article states:

    "Windows XP Home Edition-based computers always have Simple File Sharing enabled."

    So I suppose I can skip this step.  Correct ??

    2) You advised:

    " ... just share the DVD-CD drive and it will be accessible on the other computer as any other shared drive or folder."

    Great, but how to share it ??

    If I connect the Desktop (working DVD-CD) to the Laptop using USB-USB connector, would ALL files/devices on the Desktop including the DVD-CD/RW be accessible to the laptop ??

    (And similarly; ALL folders on the laptop would be accessible to the desktop.  Correct ??)

    3) My major concern is that if I mess up by wrongly connect the two computers, I could end up with two damaged computers instead of just having at present a defective DVD-CD (of the laptop)!!

    Your advice and guidance would be greatly appreciated.

    Monir

    (Win XP Home SP3)

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