I want to connect my old computer to my new one so I can transfer files (especially my large e-mail files). My old computer has a modem connection and 2 USB ports. My new computer has a modem port, USB ports and Ethernet port. Is there a way to direct connect the two computers via either the modem to modem ports or USB to USB ports? I would prefer the USB to USB because it is faster.

I want to connect my old computer to my new one so I can transfer files (especially my large e-mail files). My old computer has a modem connection and 2 USB ports. My new computer has a modem port, USB ports and Ethernet port. Is there a way to direct connect the two computers via either the modem to modem ports or USB to USB ports? I would prefer the USB to USB because it is faster.
Do the computers have network interface cards? The way two or more computers are connected (unless wireless or by the internet) are between NIC cards with wire that has connectors slightly larger (wider) than your phone connector. Most computers have them installed already but if not... they are very inexpensive to buy.

You can get a USB File Transfer cable and use XP's File and Transfer Settings wizard to do the transfer.