BleepingComputer.com: Laplink Via Dos

I haven't used this program in ages, so I might be a bit behind the times.

The scenario is a recovered Toshiba Satellite 1605CDS, HDD was corrupt and had to wipe it. Unfortunately, the CD-ROM didn't work. So, we had to load Win3.1 and it sucks balls. I went through and created the C:\cdrom folder (because it didn't exist) and loaded a couple of driver files to get it to work. Now the BIOS and 3.1 will recognize the CD-ROM, but can't access it. CDR101 error, IIRC. So, I can't load any other OS because I only have the floppy to work with.

I was thinking of using Laplink with a parallel cable like back in the day. I would probably use a spare HDD in my desktop, wipe and load the OS I want, then copy everything to the laptop. Should work, right? Any issues I'm overlooking?

The laptop does have a USB port, but the BIOS is old enough where I can't get it to recognize an external HDD, or I'd do it that way. I don't have an external drive, I hooked up my iPod (which is sometimes recognized as an external drive) and it had no clue. BIOS either doesn't recognize the iPod as a HDD, or I can't use the USB as a boot option.

If anyone needs any other information, just say so.

If you have Windows 3.1 installed why do you not make a network connection, either via LAN or crossover, and transfer your files that way. At least it will be 10Mbps, may be 100Mbps.
Look into a used notebook drive. Ebay.com has them for as little as $10. They are not that hard to install.



Toshiba 1605CDS Data Sheet

The laptop only has a telephone port on it. I have a PCMIA 10/100 card, I would just need to get the cable I'm missing.

If it could work like that, anything pointing me in the right direction would help.