How do I clone laptop to new desktop drive?

[redrumpc]

hey folks -

Quick question if you guys can help me out!

My brother is building me a new computer
(desktop). I currently have a laptop w/ Windows XP, and an external hard drive. He purchased a 500gb internal SATA drive for my desktop as well. I don't have the original XP install discs anymore.

How does he clone the laptop
data (entire drive + OS) onto my new blank desktop HDD? Can he just run a converter cable, or USB from the laptop to the desktop, and use something like Acronis True Image, or Easy Migrate? I'm (we're) a little stuck on this part.

Any info or suggestions is most appreciated!

 

[runswindows95]

You will need a copy of XP. There is no way around it. Acronis True Image only works if you are restoring the same system. No cloning program will work when the systems are that different. The instant you try to boot the XP based around your laptop on your desktop, the system will crash before it even boots into XP.

 

[evongugg]

For your data, you can hook up this way if PATA:

Laptop 2.5 to 3.5 PATA adapters

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812203012

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200053

You'll also need an available connector on a standard IDE ribbon cable
+ a 4-pin Molex from your power supply.