TS1317: Mac OS X: Troubleshooting a cable modem, DSL, or LAN Internet connection

Learn about Mac OS X: Troubleshooting a cable modem, DSL, or LAN Internet connection
gail@apple?

Q: I can't connect to my network, but can to an open network in the community.  I think it's the password, I've forgotten it.  How do I set a new password?

My ISP has just installed a new modem with an ethernet connection, which I have plugged into my Airport Express.  I'm able to connect to an open network in the neighborhood but not to my own network that I had set up before.  I have done some troubleshooting, the modem is working when connected to my computer.  It may just be the password, it's not accepting the password that I thought I had used to set up the Airport Express when I first bought it.  Should I be using the same password as in my Accounts on my Mac's System Preferences?

Airport Express, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Mar 28, 2012 12:05 PM

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Q: I can't connect to my network, but can to an open network in the community.  I think it's the password, I've forgotten it.&nb ... more

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  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Mar 28, 2012 12:08 PM in response to gail@apple?
    Level 8 (48,633 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 28, 2012 12:08 PM in response to gail@apple?

    Connect the modem to the Express and leave it connected.

     

    • Disconnect both the modem and the Express from the wall socket.
    • Wait a few moments.
    • Plug them back in.
    • Wait a few moments.

     

    Try connecting again.

     

    The password for your Express's network will be the same for all devices using it.

  • by gail@apple?,

    gail@apple? gail@apple? Mar 28, 2012 12:28 PM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 28, 2012 12:28 PM in response to John Galt

    Thanks John, but I'm still not clear.  I have a green light on my Airport, so it does seem to be a problem with the password.  Would the network password be the same as my Mac's password?  If so, I've tried it and it doesn't work.  How would I reset the network password?

  • by John Galt,Solvedanswer

    John Galt John Galt Mar 28, 2012 12:49 PM in response to gail@apple?
    Level 8 (48,633 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 28, 2012 12:49 PM in response to gail@apple?

    ...  Would the network password be the same as my Mac's password?

     

    It can be if you configured it that way, but since that is apparently not working for you it's probably not the same. You can reconfigure the Express easily enough using AirPort Utility - it is in your Utilities folder, which is found within your Applications folder.

     

    Launch AirPort utility, then reset the Express:

     

    To reset your Express:

     

    Press and hold the reset button with a pen or pencil for 1 full second. The light (LED) will flash amber, indicating that the AirPort Express is in soft reset mode.

     

    This will enable you to use AirPort Utility to reset your network password.

     

    Note: If you do not make your changes within five minutes of pressing the reset button, AirPort Express will return to its previous configuration. The light will change back to solid green (or whatever state it was in before the reset).

    Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ

  • by gail@apple?,

    gail@apple? gail@apple? Mar 28, 2012 2:09 PM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 28, 2012 2:09 PM in response to John Galt

    Thank you John, it looks like the problem is solved, I reset the Express and changed the passwords.  Much appreciated.