is firewire necessary to salvage my files?

[evankru]

I need to reinstall my operating system, but i want to connect my macbook to a friend's macbook and transfer my files over first. Do i need a firewire connection, or can i just use a computer-to-computer cable (sorry, i'm not very tech savvy, but that is how the package described it)?

 

[steveza]

If the computer to computer cable is a crossover network cable then that will work but you might need to configure static IP addresses for the ethernet ports on each machine.

It's a bit complicated though and firewire is much easier and quicker

 

[misterredman]

I need to reinstall my operating system, but i want to connect my macbook to a friend's macbook and transfer my files over first. Do i need a firewire connection, or can i just use a computer-to-computer cable (sorry, i'm not very tech savvy, but that is how the package described it)?

If you want to use target disk mode (and if your mac support that) you will need a firewire cable to connect them. What model do you have?
If you are still able to boot your mac in OS X you can share the files through the network, using wireless or an ethernet cable.

 

[evankru]

If you want to use target disk mode (and if your mac support that) you will need a firewire cable to connect them. What model do you have?
If you are still able to boot your mac in OS X you can share the files through the network, using wireless or an ethernet cable.

I have a white macbook from 2007.

 

[misterredman]

I have a white macbook from 2007.

So your model still has firewire, and target disc mode is possible (you will need a cable):

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1661


You can of course use the network connections if you can still boot in OS X.