hi all. i juz need some quick tips/simple ans to the below. tanks so much to those who can help out, coz it's kinda urgent. mission: reformat laptop and install with win98SE scenario: laptop don hav cdwriter, but need to backup some files.. mp3, xxx pics and the like..juz kiddin workaround: connect laptop to desktop so can transfer files between the two systems, and oso able to write the new driveimage after laptop been reinstalled with win98SE, onto a cd-r on the desktop. impt details as below: Desktop: win98SE FAT32 NIC installed, connected to cable modem. cd-writer laptop: winXP pro FAT32 NIC installed, not in use. dvddrive, no writer. What i planned to do: backup laptop files to desktop/cd-r format laptop reinstall laptop with win98SE (is that possible by the way? coz laptop came preinstalled with winXP and the intimidating sticker that said "designed for winxp") create a new laptop drive image and burn onto a cd-r using Powerquest DriveImage2002 i've searched the web for answers since yesterday.. too many to digest and none really answer my qn. need some quick tips! my time quite short coz fren (whose laptop i'm raping) going back nex week. i've read short description that says if two systems have NIC, can use crossover cable to connect. is the cable connecting my desktop to cable modem a crossover cable? how do i check? if it is, i will use it to connect the desktop & laptop, but what other config i must tweak? juz need a simple connection! the desktop & laptop need not have internet access when networked, it's juz temporary. as long as it can get the required above done. ie xfer files between two sys and can use the cd-writer on desktop to copy files from laptop.. thx in advance!

No, the cable connecting your PC and modem is a patch cable, not a crossover. You could probably just buy a crossover cable at Radio Shack or Circuit City. When you get it, hook the two up. Put them on the same workgroup. Then share a folder on the PC where you want to put your XXX pics (:D) and go to My Network Places, and it should show up. :)