How can I link 2 seperate computers together so as i can transfer files between the 2?

I would like to transfer the contents of one computers hard drive to another computer easily, so as I can restore the original hard drive and not lose all music/movie/picture/school etc. files. Can just a USB cable between the 2 be used? An Ethernet cable? Or what is the easiest way to achieve what I am trying to do.

How can I link 2 seperate computers together so as i can transfer files between the 2?antispam

cheapest way is to use a cross over ethernet cable

this is not the same as a standard ethernet cable

connect the two pc.s via the ethernet ports

on pc1

open view network connections and select the local area connection

scroll down the list to tcp/ip and select use the following ip address

enter 192.168.0.1

do the same with pc2 and enter 192.168.0.2

also make sure that both pc.s are part of the same workgroup (goto control panel - system- computer name - change workgroup name if neccessary)

to check that all is fine ping each machine from the other- start- run- type at the prompt: ping 192.168.0.2 to ping pc2 from pc1)

if this fails turn off firewalls

now you need to allow files to be shared (using my computer- go to the files and right click on them- select sharing and security- share this file on the network- tell any warnings and wizzards to sod off)