Sounds involved, but you can get a very inexpensive adapter that will allow you to connect the laptop drive right TO the desktop . Of course, this requires you to take the drive OUT of the laptop first.

Another option is an external drive to use as a transfer device like i do. I have a USB 20GB drive that fits in the palm of your hand, and requires NO a/c power. That's my reccomendation. Check eBay ... I paid about $125 for it .... and I lOVE it !