Is it possible to have an external USB HD connected to a desktop and then connect the same external USB HD to a laptop? If the above is possible, anyone recommend a particular HD make/model? What's this talk about the usage of "special" data transfer cable needed to transfer files between HD's on two distinct machines? Do they got some sort of chip imbedded into them? What happens when you use a normal parallel-to-parallel, serial-to-serial, or USB-to-USB cable --possible barbeque? Thanks. Much appreciated. --Jason.

No, just won't work. Cables are wired differently...you'd use a laplink cable for parallel and serial connections and a usb data xfer cable for usb connection. A 128Mb pendrive works well for me on the road or when I'm away from a network. There are scads of external harddrives on the market. I don't use one so I'm not qualified to recommend anything to you. Someone here will get back to you.

Hi, This cable could solve things http://maplin.co.uk/products/module.asp?CartID=030315115653768&moduleno=35057&modulecode= Allows you to connect any IDE device ( Except a tape drive as these do not get assigned drive letters ) such as hard disk to connect to a USB port. I know people who have used a DVD writer with it. A US web site with the same device is here http://www.qvs.com/usb/usb2.asp Windows 98 SE upwards You can get USB to USB laplink cables. These have an embedded chip in the centre of the cable and when connected give two explorer like Windows next to each other, local & remote machines. Transfer is a simple as cut and paste. Simple Plug and Play. Not fast but very reliable. I have both and they have proven very useful. Not used a lot, but very useful to have around. USB to USB will only work with this type of cable. Parallel or serial both need special cables and can take a lot of setting up. You are unlikely to be able to boot from an external hard disk, unless the computer has a BIOS capable of booting from USB devices. With two computers why not look at a network. NIC's in each machine, unless already built in and a cross-over cable. A regular network cable will NOT work unless you use two and then also use a hub. hth Ceri

So is it possible to have an external USB HD connected to a desktop, disconnect it after having downloaded files to it, and connect the same external USB HD to a laptop?

Hi, Yes. You might also consider a USB pen hard disk. These are now available up to 2GB and are half the proce they were eight months ago when I brought one. Very very useful and small enough to sit in a shirt pocket with a small paper notebook. Most only need drivers for Windows 98 and below. http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/listbyattr.asp?attr=USB%20Flash%20Drive&cat=drives+storage They also have a great deal more street cred than carrying a hard disk in a separate case. Ceri

Can i install windows xp pro on a usb hd? when i try to install the instalation program identify the disc but tell's me that i don't have full acess to it and i can't install it.