Ask Leo! by Leo A. Notenboom

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

Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.

Ask Leo! » Networking

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

by , © 2004

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.

•

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.

Article C2198 - October 6, 2004

Leo Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed. After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.

Not what you needed?

You may also be interested in:

Recent Comments
3 Comments

Very informative site thanks.

Posted by: Arun Mahendrakar at January 22, 2006 11:13 AM

can I transfer wab files to my cellphone address book? How? Using usb port/cable?

Posted by: Rachel at January 22, 2009 2:26 PM

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.

Posted by: Morpheus Exegis at January 4, 2012 9:32 AM
Post a comment on "Can I copy files between two computers using a USB connections?":





Remember Me?

(You may use HTML tags for style)

Before commenting, please...

  • READ THE ARTICLE. A comment that shows you didn't will be deleted and ignored.

  • Comment only on the article. Use the search box at the top of the page if you have a question about something else.

  • NO PERSONAL INFORMATION in the comment. No email addresses. No phone numbers. No physical addresses.

  • Anything that looks the least bit like spam will be deleted. Links to unrelated sites or links that appear to be primarily promotional will be deleted, or the comment will be deleted.

  • Don't ask me to recover lost passwords or hacked accounts. I can't. Those comments will be deleted.

  • I can't respond to every comment. And I can't vouch for the accuracy of others who do.

Please wait. Your comment is being processed ...

Question? Ask Leo!
The Tip Jar: Buy Leo a Latte!

Categories | Full Archive
By Date | Business Card | About

Advertisements do not imply my endorsement of any product or service.

Copyright © 2003-2012 Puget Sound Software, LLC and Leo A. Notenboom
Ask Leo! is a registered trademark ® of Puget Sound Software, LLC
Terms, Conditions & Privacy
Product Reviews, Recommendations and Affiliate Links Disclosure

http://ask-leo.com/can_i_copy_files_between_two_computers_using_a_usb_connections.html