Connecting laptop to deskop to retrieve files?

[ForeverBirds]

My laptop doesn't work currently. The operating system is messed up, I think, but I think my files are ok.

I wondered if there was a way to connect the two so I could get my files off of my laptop (which runs Windows 7) to my desktop (Windows 8), but the only thing is I can't create a network because I can't get into my laptop to configure the settings, allow it to share everything, etc. Is it possible to connect the two via a USB connection?



ETA: I have a cable with two USB connections on either end, an Ethernet cable (though since I can't create a network, I think that one's pretty much useless), and a VGA cable (also likely useless since I don't think they work to actually transfer files, only images).

 

[i7Baby]

You can get data off with a usb.

You have to re-install apps though - different operating system.

 

[ForeverBirds]

You can get data off with a usb.

You have to re-install apps though - different operating system.

I'm not worried about apps or programs or anything, just my word documents and pictures and stuff.

 

[i7Baby]

Then a usb stick is easiest.