Easy Networking question

Hey, I don't know alot about networking, but at work later today I have project. My boss want's me to transfer some database files from her laptop to her desktop. She originally want's me to burn them to CD and then copy them to the HD on her desktop. But, can I do the following instead without screwing anything up?

Shut down her system (it's on a network in the office), Disconnect the ethernet cable from the network card (that connects her computer to the office network) , and then direct link her laptop and desktop with an ethernet cable from network card to network card, transfer the files from the laptop to the desktop, shut down her desktop, reconnect it to the network, and restart her system.

By linking to the laptop will I mess up any network settings or anything? Any tips appreciated.

-Jeremy

Is the laptop even configured for your network?

I'd go for the CD route... unless we are talking about GIGs of data