Is there a way to transfer files from one computer to another computer other than using a flash drive or an external drive?
One computer is a win7 and the other is win8.There is no wireless on either.I seem to have a vague memory that this can be done with a certain type of cable?

You can connect computers with a crossover cable between the ethernet ports. However you also have to manually configure network addresses and set up the computer you want to copy the files from so that it will share files.

Here's a how-to
http://www.ehow.com/how_6100353_transfer-files-crossover-cable.html

Interesting.Thanks.

If both your computers are connected to the same router, you probably don't need to even use a crossover cable. As long as you set up sharing on the computer that you want to copy files from, you should be able to access its shared folder from the other computer and copy files. There's a how-to for sharing files here
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/digital-home/3490789/how-share-files-over-network/

Yes both are connected to the same router.