KKLW904

Q: After reinstall of OS on iBook G4, getting an AirPort error when trying to connect to wireless network

Just erased and reinstalled the OS (Tiger OS X v10.4) on my old iBook G4 so I could give a wiped clean laptop to my young son. At the point in the reinstall process where I Select a Wireless Service. When I enter the correct password for my correctly selected home wireless network, it responds with a message box that says, "AirPort error. There was an error joining the selected network." What now? Should I just select "My computer does not connect to the Internet" so I can get past this point? But the fact is, connecting to the internet is about the only thing he's going to use it for. Aaaaarrrrgggghhhh! Please help! All advice welcome...

iBook, Mac OS X (10.4)

Posted on Dec 27, 2011 2:28 PM

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Q: After reinstall of OS on iBook G4, getting an AirPort error when trying to connect to wireless network

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Ronda Wilson,

    Ronda Wilson Ronda Wilson Dec 27, 2011 8:54 PM in response to KKLW904
    Level 8 (41,527 points)
    Dec 27, 2011 8:54 PM in response to KKLW904

    Hi, and welcome to Apple Support Communities.

     

    Could it be your settings?

     

    There is a list of ideas here:

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/message/10584423#10584423

  • by KKLW904,

    KKLW904 KKLW904 Dec 28, 2011 4:59 AM in response to Ronda Wilson
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 28, 2011 4:59 AM in response to Ronda Wilson

    Thanks for your response, but the initial problem is that I'm still stuck in the set-up process. I can't move past this screen to get to anything else unless I can get it to accept my wireless network password, or I suppose I could go back one screen to the "How Do You Connect?" screen and select "My computer does not connect to the Internet." I presume that might get me past this set-up phase into an area where I could futz around with settings. But I was concerned about disabling something I couldn't fix later (me, not a techie!) by selecting that. What's the consensus? Should I just do that so I can get out of the set-up process? Will I be able to reactivate my AirPort once I'm just in operating mode? I really should be more technically proficient than this...

  • by KKLW904,

    KKLW904 KKLW904 Dec 28, 2011 5:11 AM in response to KKLW904
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 28, 2011 5:11 AM in response to KKLW904

    Duh. Finally remembered that I do actually have a wired connection I can use. So I selected connect via ethernet and was able to move past the set-up stage. Will now peruse the advice on changing settings and get back to you if I'm unable to solve the problem. Thanks!

  • by Ronda Wilson,

    Ronda Wilson Ronda Wilson Dec 28, 2011 9:27 AM in response to KKLW904
    Level 8 (41,527 points)
    Dec 28, 2011 9:27 AM in response to KKLW904

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  • by sdfox7,Helpful

    sdfox7 sdfox7 Dec 28, 2011 1:00 PM in response to KKLW904
    Level 2 (150 points)
    Dec 28, 2011 1:00 PM in response to KKLW904

    The AirPort utility that comes with Tiger is now far out of date, so use Software Update to update it. That may fix your problem.

  • by Ronda Wilson,Helpful

    Ronda Wilson Ronda Wilson Dec 28, 2011 3:21 PM in response to sdfox7
    Level 8 (41,527 points)
    Dec 28, 2011 3:21 PM in response to sdfox7

    As a matter of fact, it would be a good idea to update the OS to Mac OS X 10.4.11. This may help, too.

     

    http://support.apple.com/downloads/Mac_OS_X_10_4_11_Combo_Update__PPC_

  • by KKLW904,

    KKLW904 KKLW904 Dec 28, 2011 6:21 PM in response to Ronda Wilson
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 28, 2011 6:21 PM in response to Ronda Wilson

    Didn't even think to update the OS or use software update. Feeling kinda dumb about that. So, that was helpful. However, it didn't fix the problem. Still getting AirPort error when trying to join the wireless network. I know it's the right network, and I know it's the right password (have connected both my smartphone and newer laptop using that password tonight). Very frustrated and only have wired connection in one room of the house - of course not the room where the laptop is going to live!

  • by sdfox7,

    sdfox7 sdfox7 Dec 28, 2011 8:25 PM in response to KKLW904
    Level 2 (150 points)
    Dec 28, 2011 8:25 PM in response to KKLW904

    Do you know if your network is set up as WEP or WPA? Tiger 10.4 may not recognize it, especially without the .11 update. It's also possible you would need to enter the key differently. For example, I think on my old OS 9 laptop you need to enter a $ before you enter the password.

     

    Also, are you entering a passcode or hex key. On my PowerBook and iBook, it requires the hex key, not the passcode!

  • by chirkov90,

    chirkov90 chirkov90 Mar 14, 2014 3:00 AM in response to Ronda Wilson
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Mar 14, 2014 3:00 AM in response to Ronda Wilson

    This solved my problem, Thanks very much