How to transfer data to a Dell Laptop HDD from my desktop HDD

How much data?  You can do via networking if there is a network (share a folder on the destination drive).  You can use a memory stick (USB) if the data is reasonably small, (you can get an 8 GB memory stick for less than $50 in most stores), or you can use an external HDD enclosure, you can get a 500 GB external USB drive for much less than $100.  It would then server as a good backup of your data as well.

Cheers for the reply. The reason for the problem is that the data connection on the Dell HDD doesnt seem to be the usual one. I have a HDD from a Toshiba laptop and the cable I have enables me to connect it directly to my tower via usual IDE cable, the pins on the Dell are completely different.

The actual job to is to take info off the Toshiba, transfer to desktop and then transfer to the Dell as the Toshiba is nacked.

Hope this makes sense.

Yes, makes sense.  The desktop is probably SATA (Serial-ATA).  It is a smaller connector, no visible pins like an IDE connection.  Best best is either network them both and share a folder to transfer the data, or a USB type transfer.  Depends on how much data, since if you are only talkiing about 1-8 Gigs of data it is easier to buy a memory stick.  No AC power needed, just plug it in and copy data.  If you have much more I would consider an external drive.  You can get them from 20 Gigs up to 1.5 Terabytes in most places.

Sorry, meant the Dell Laptop.  The drive is probably SATA.  You did check that there isn't just a connector (black) attached to the dell HDD, correct?

Its about 10Gig that I want to transfer, also I have an external HDD via USB (500gb). Also the Toshiba has the info that I want to keep and also is a system disk with XP on it. Is there a way to clone that to keep it as a system disk bearing in mind I will have to put it on my desktop first then copy it to the USB drive and then put it on the Dell HDD. The Toshiba laptop is not usable anymore as motherboard is gone so wanting to put its operating sys on the Dell.

Am I trying to much here and/or over complicating matters??

I do appreciate your time on this, Thanks

You have a hard road ahead of you.  The Laptop manufacturers put a copy of XP on the drive with imbedded drivers for their products (mobo drivers, display, etc).  So even if you close the Toshiba drive to the dell drive, I'm 99% certain you will boot to the BSOD (Blue screen of death).  It won't be able to get the right drivers.  Now iif you have an XP CD with you, with license, you can clone the drive, put it in the laptop, then, boot to the XP CD and do the repair.   That will scan your hardware and get the right drivers.  You'll still need a few from Dell I'm sure.  

Unless you really need to do this, I would get the data via the USB and leave it at that.  A rigged XP install can be a painful verture.....

I just had a look see and you are right about the black connector, I hadnt spotted that my friend, sorry.

No its an IDE connection.

I will close this now as solved a it has given me the ideas to try.

I thank you very nuch for your help

Many Thanks again for your help.