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Can I copy files between two computers using a USB connections?

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There are a few ways that you can copy files between two computers using a USB connection.

I have a Windows 98 SE PC that won’t recognize the other
drives. So I can’t use my CRW. I want to get some files off the old hard drive.
Can I run a USB from the new machine to the old?

Yes, you can. And a few other alternatives are available also.

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Some alternatives include:

  • USB to USB connections, as you’ve thought of (though you’ll need a special cable). Windows
    Networking     has a good introduction to the topic.

  • If the machine is really toast, you might install its hard drive in the new
    machine.

  • Use a package like LapLink to copy the files. They
    often have special cables that will allow you to connect printer ports or
    serial ports to each other to transfer files.

  • If both machines have a network adapter, then use a hub or a reversing cable
    and network them together. This previous article: Can I network two
    computers with just a cable?     covers exactly that.

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3 comments on “Can I copy files between two computers using a USB connections?”

  3. or another option run a crossover ethernet cable. fast transfer and good intro to keeping both computers connected. or if you have a wireless connection setup on both use a fileshare and transfer over wireless.

    Reply

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