Connecting two computers to transfer files

[tman]

Two computers are involved, both have Windows 98SE, parallel, serial, and USB1.0 ports. One has and ethernet card.

My cousin deleted a file by mistake, that is nessecary to run "My Computer" and the Internet. So, we want to do a MS backup, saved to his desktop, transfer the backupfile to my computer via a linking cable, use the restore disc that came with his computer, and then transfer the file back to his. It would take a long time to back it all up by CD-RW's, and I'd prefer a method with the least complication. I desperatly need help, and any is appreciated.

Thanks

[Plastic_Fork]

You shouldn't have much trouble hooking up both PC's. A serial cable between the two, USB cable, or if you buy a second ethernet card for the other just throw a crossover cable between the two and you should be able to connect them. Do you know how to network?

Also, what file was deleted? If it's just a system file, you can probably throw it on a floppy from your PC (they're usually not that big) and put it back where it was deleted on his PC. Just reference your PC since they both use the same OS. Why format when you can just put the file back?

If you decide to format anyway, I have an even simpler way to fix it than to fuss with backup or networking. He's going to have to reinstall any additional programs he put on it that weren't included in the original PC anyway, so a backup won't really save those as far as functionality, but the files will be intact for whatever he saved. If they are going to be close enough to put a cable between, all you have to do is take his hard drive out, put it as slave on your PC, and dump the files over. Then put it back and run the recovery disc. When that's done, move your drive to his and dump the files back or put his back on yours and dump them before putting it back in his PC.

How comfortable are you working with PC hardware? If you're not sure, it's easier than you think. You just have to be willing to get in there and poke around. Let me know if you have any questions.

[tman]

Thanks, heres the update:

We decided to just use CD-RW's to back up his files, and what I meant by that, is saved word documents, downloaded internet programs that are no longer downloadable, pictures, etc. Anyhow, he didn't have nearly the amount of stuff we anticipated, only filling up 3 CDRWs. They werent necessary anyway, because we decided to try refreshing the windows OS first, before reformatting, and that cured the problem with the internet, and the "My computer" problem. The missing file, he said, was msinfo.exe. I found msinfo32.exe on my comp, but no msinfo.exe. Only one problem, his color was all messed up, because his video card was upgraded, and needed it's driver, not the stock Dell driver. Everything is great now, and I now I know how to refresh mine as well. Thanks

As for my hardware skills, it was I who upgraded video cards in our machines, and a 52X CD drive in my older comp. I actually plan to build my own computer someday.

[Oz]

Sounds like a REALLY stoopid way of fixing your problem. Just re-install win98se from setup.exe on the CD. Will replace any missing files and you get to keep everything else exactly how it is.

[tman]

Oz, thats exactly what we did