Question: how do I connect my laptop to my desktop with a usb cable for file sharing? 

Answer: You need to use a special usb cable, basically a crossover cable.. here's a link to one at officemax   \n\nhttp://www.officemax.com/max/solutions/product/prodBlock.jsp?prodBlockOID=537418521&campaign=363BT4HC2V2&cm_cat=Tech&cm_pla=Networking&cm_ite=Networking&cm_ven=Affiliate&BV_UseBVCookie=no&affCode=PRF&siteID=k40132&mid=\n\nBuslink USB 2.0 to USB 2.0 File Transfer Cable
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