Ooosbie (that's USB) power

[Maritz]

OK, so we've just moved house and now got one of these monolith-looking BT Home Hubs. I connect the main PC to it via a USB wireless dongle thingy. Problem is that the PC doesn't power the device up (or Windows just doesn't detect the device) when I turn the PC on with the dongle already plugged in. So what I end up having to do is unplug then re-plug it every time so Windows detects it and can connect to the wireless network. Obviously the ideal situation would be for me to leave it plugged into a USB port all the time and never have to touch it. Anyone got any ideas?

[madameye]

Might sound too simple but have you tried a different USB port?

Plugged a 60g portable hard drive into the laptop the other day via USB (on the side) and it wouldn't detect it. Tried another port (on the back) and it did. Don't know if this is to do with USB 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 etc. ?
Your Windows obviously has the drivers installed and the fact it will only detect it when it's inserted might mean there is an issue with that port? I'm merely guessing as a layman with these things.

[Maritz]

Good thought, but I've tried it in about four different ports and it's always the same. It may be the device I'm thinking, although the USB mouse powers up about 90% of the time when switching the PC on. It won't work at all through the USB extension hub (which would be ideal as that means the dongle would be on the desk fnarr fnarr, allowing for better reception), but that's probably another issue.

[Bagsabbis]

Get yourself a couple of Powerline Adaptors - they really are the dogs doodads! 

[Maritz]

Just looked them up - that's pretty neat! Why hasn't it been more widely publicised? Maybe I'm just out of the technology "loop" now.

[Bagsabbis]

I don't really know why not.  Maybe they are still a little on the pricey side, but had a couple running here for the last two years, and they have been excellent.  I don't have to worry about being one floor above the router and having brick and stuff interfering with the signal.  Have a couple of housemates on the same floor as the router, both with dongles, and they are always moaning about signal loss.

[Maritz]

Think I may invest in a pair actually. Seem to be able to pick a pair up for £45 or so, which is ok with me. Cheers man!

...still doesn't explain why my PC isn't powering up and detecting all USB devices though