Connecting a desktop to a laptop

[smarsh89]

I want to connect my laptop to my desktop so I can use my laptop screen/keyboard/mouse to navigate what is on the desktop. I basically want to look through the files on my old desktop but I do not have another monitor. Can I do this? I only have the cords that originally came to set up the desktop. I did plug in my laptop, but wasn't sure how/if I could find my way into the desktop files.

Sorry this is kind of confusing. I'm not really sure to make this work.

 

[jecho]

You could create a workgroup using windows as long as they are on the same network but you will have to set this up by navigating through your desktop. Otherwise your only option would be to remove the hard drive and plug it into your laptop using a external enclosure hard drive docking station.

 

[inzone]

You would either need a cross over ethernet cable or a usb transfer cable.

StarTech 60" USB to USB Data Transfer Cable for Windows and Mac Model PCMACLINK2 $23.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200694

CABLES TO GO 27822 7 ft. Cat 6 (Crossover) Gray 550 MHz Snagless Cable $13.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812296227

You would have to set up your desk top to be remotely acessed by the laptop.

 

[smarsh89]

Best answer selected by smarsh89.