If you own a netbook without a CD drive and need to install programs, there is a solution. All you need is a desktop or laptop computer with a CD drive and running Windows. In this tutorial, we will show you how to install programs without an external disc drive.
First, connect both computers to the same network. If they are connected to the same router, they are likely in the same network. Next, enable “file sharing” in the computer with the CD. To do this, go to the start menu, click “Control Panel”, “Network and Internet”, “Network and Sharing Center”, and enable the option that says, “File Sharing”. Then, select “Turn on file sharing” and click “Apply”.
If your computer is not password protected, you need to disable this option so the other computer can open the CD. Otherwise, it will ask you for a password when you try to access it. Once that is done, right-click on the drive you want to use with your netbook and select the “Share” option. Click “Advanced Sharing”, check the box that says “Share this folder”, give it a name, and check that “read” is allowed.
Now, go to your netbook and open “Computer”. Right-click anywhere and select “Add a network location”. A wizard will pop up, select “Choose a custom network location”, press “Browse”, select the CD drive in the desktop computer, and press “OK”. Give it a name, select “Select”, and you’re finished.
However, there are some disadvantages with this method. CDs and DVDs won’t auto-load, so you need to go inside the folder and open the executable file. Some games won’t work because they require a CD unit, and some DVDs won’t play. But it works perfectly for everything else.
If you want to see how it works, try opening the “exe” file and see what comes up. Keep in mind that the information is going through the network, so it may take some time. Overall, this is a great solution for those who need to install software on a laptop without a CD drive.