Using a laptop as an external HDD?

[tjf0288]

No not using a laptop HDD as an external HDD, I want to find or figure out how to write software to make my laptop appear to be an external HDD if it was connected to other computers via USB. I searched on Google multiple times and found nothing. I'm willing to dedicate time to writing a program to do it, I'd just have to become more familiar with C++ (I know some and can write basic programs, my current class ends with a project to write a benchmark program for computers). My friend who is very up to date on technology doesn't think it's possible.

So I pose this question to URC: Can it be done?

I do not wish for this to be used negatively, but for simplifying file transfers between my laptop and desktop. My only thumb drive is 256MB and not sufficient for some transfers. Also I never configure the options on any PC to allow file sharing through networks. I believe this could be done and not only used for simple transfers but implicated in bigger designs for much bigger and better uses.

-TJ

[rtsbasic]

Why are you so against using Windows file sharing? Its a safe and secure system as long as you keep the ports closed on your router. You could do it through USB as well, and map it as a network drive which is what your asking for. Short of using some sort of network file sharing (not just builtin Windows, but NFS etc as well) I'm not aware of any other way to achieve what your asking for.

[penguinrusty]

Why are you so against using Windows file sharing? Its a safe and secure system as long as you keep the ports closed on your router. You could do it through USB as well, and map it as a network drive which is what your asking for. Short of using some sort of network file sharing (not just builtin Windows, but NFS etc as well) I'm not aware of any other way to achieve what your asking for.
Just use a crossover cable and enable sharing of the C:\ drive on your laptop.....drag it into the "shared docs" folder, then go to network placees on the other comp and you can access it....you can even do it over wireless.

[bubba069]

can't be done via the usb, not with out turning on file sharing, sorry.

here is the thing you need to do it with file sharing -> http://www.bixnet.com/12ftusbporfi.html


you can either get a cross over cable as mentioned above, or take 50 bucks and go to newegg and get a 2 gig thumb drive.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820233009