Netbook external CD drive

MATH

I'm on the brink of buying a netbook. I need to load MS office so I've got compatibility between home/work. As there is no built in CD drive I guess I'll need to buy an external drive. BUT, I'm thinking, can I connect my netbook to my desktop PC and use the CD drive off the desktop PC? If not, is the only way to load programs on to a net book going to be via external drive?
Thanks

MATH

KeithP

USB memory stick?

MATH

Thanks for that.
To clarify: are you suggesting I could put a program CD in to my desktop drive then save to a USB stick, insert stick to netbook and load?
If so, why didn't I think of that? So damn simple.

Thanks

KeithP

MATH wrote: »

To clarify: are you suggesting I could put a program CD in to my desktop drive then save to a USB stick, insert stick to netbook and load?

Yes.

MATH wrote: »

If so, why didn't I think of that?

Don't know. :beer:

[Deleted User]

Easiest thing to do is to set your desktop PC to share it's cd/dvd drive over the network, much less faffing.

chopperharris

make an iso of the cd or dvd , put on usb drive , mount in netbook with magic iso or similar.

bobby-boy_2

Hi Math
if you only need to load office why not just download Open office, its FREE and is compatible with MS office so you can transfer from work to home as you suggested. No need for sticks or drives.

jamesb1239

anewhope wrote: »

Easiest thing to do is to set your desktop PC to share it's cd/dvd drive over the network, much less faffing.

As above, just set up file and printer sharing on your desktop and then share the cd/dvd drive, then just browse to tat share from the netbook and run setup :beer:

totalsolutions

Hold on - Use "map a drive" its there in a menu it's what its for, but you never needed it before either I guess.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308582

What you can also do is using old parts you already (might) have.

You will need an old DVD player
External case for a hard drive.

Open the case and connect the DVD to the PATA cable, Connect the molex power plug. I know it won't all into fit the case but so..., now connect the external power and USB lead. That's it. Free external DVD unit.

-TangleFoot-

totalsolutions wrote: »

You will need an old DVD player
External case for a hard drive.

Since most HDD enclosures are are designed for units either 2.5" or 3.5" in width, fitting an optical disc drive in one isn't really an option. If you have a spare CD or DVD drive, you can get a 5.25" enclosure for it; if you don't, an external drive would be more appropriate.

If you hunt around on eBay, you could probably find one for as little as ~£10.

totalsolutions

-TF-Quote "I know it won't all into fit the case but so..."

You missed the point by a mile

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thats the point it does not fit in the case but it works and get you out of a tight spot to install the OS