Page 1 of Problems using an USB extender cable

I have a 5m extender cable so i can plug my wireless adaptor into the extender so i get a better range, but when i plug the lead into the computer it recognises the extender fine, but my wireless lan adpator comes up as an unknown device, i tried reinstalling drivers, windows etc, but does not recognise the adaptor when plugged into the extender cable, the adaptor works fine when plugged into usb port by itself.
any ideas????

thanks

Dodgey cable? Do any other devices work wiht it?

oops to be honest never considered that, will try it tomorrow with my web cam :-)

Has the wireless lan adapter got its own power supply or is it USB powered?

USB peripherals which take your power from the USB bus have trouble running with extender cables, and can cause this type of error, this is why most USB cables never seen long enough to reach from your PC to your desktop, manufactures are aware of the problems this can cause.

It may be something else to look at.

yeah its powered by the usb port, damm just have to move the computer i guess, would move the base station but is a large house and needs to be there for everyone else to use

You could buy a powered external USB hub, that could cure the problem.
I think Belkin do some pretty good ones, but whatever you do get a USB 2 version to future proof yourself. Standard USB 1.1 products are getting sold off cheaply now to get rid of them.