If you are copying large amounts of data between two laptops I recommend using a network connection. Most modern laptops feature built-in wireless shown by the symbol below. Although a wired connection is faster, the wireless connection is satisfactory.

Image courtesy of www.hp.com

If your computers do not have wireless networking capabilities then you will need to purchase a crossover cable. This allows you to connect two machines directly to one another, the ends of the cable should look like this.

Image courtesy of www.discountcablesusa.com

Enabling a connection is specific to the device itself (if you want information for a particular model of laptop or networking device then get in touch) but once enabled, the process of networking two computers is generally the same.

1. Right-click My Computer on the desktop and select Properties > Computer Name > Change
2. Take a note of the work group on the computer you currently use, ensure both computers are on the same work group.
3. If you are prompted to reset at this point, do so.
4. On the old computer, find the folder you want to share e.g. My Documents
5. Right-click and select Properties > Sharing then select “Share this folder on the network”
6. Go to the new computer and go Start > My Network Places
7. On the left hand panel, select “Workgroup Computers”
8. You should be able to see the folder you shared
9. Copy everything you want from the old computer to a location on the new computer.
10. When you are finished you can unshare the folder by right-clicking it, selecting Properties > Sharing then unselecting “Share this folder on the network”

Elegant Method

Click here and follow this guide

Crude Method

1. Connect your ipod to a computer and open iTunes, DO NOT SYNC the iPod!
2. In the left hand window of iTunes, select the iPod and ensure that “Enable Disk Mode” is checked.
3. Close iTunes and open My Computer
4. At the top of the window you will see File, Edit, View, Favourites, Tools and Help.
5. Select Tools > Folder Options > View
6. Select “Show Hidden Files and Folders”, then hit OK
7. Back in My Computer, your iPod should appear as a removable disk, double-click it.
8. You should see a new folder called “iPod_Control”, open it.
9. There will be a number of folders named F00, F01 etc. Copy the files in these folders to your music directory and drag them into iTunes.

I’ve received a number of genuine requests through my Facebook group and will now be answering all relevant queries with a guide.