HT201519: Update the software on your AirPort base station

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rob cc

Q: I have airport version 5.61 and am having troubles with it . It will not update firmware

I have an older airport extreme base station that has stopped working . It seems to have an older firmware version but will not update . How do I fix ?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Mar 6, 2013 10:28 AM

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Q: I have airport version 5.61 and am having troubles with it . It will not update firmware

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  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Mar 6, 2013 10:38 AM in response to rob cc
    Level 10 (105,303 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 6, 2013 10:38 AM in response to rob cc

    I have an older airport extreme base station that has stopped working

    It is going to be very difficult to do anything if the product has "stopped working"

     

    Can your provide more information? Does the device power up?

     

    Can you check the model number on the bottom of the AirPort Extreme?

     

    Is this an older "round" version of the product?

  • by rob cc,

    rob cc rob cc Mar 6, 2013 10:50 AM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 6, 2013 10:50 AM in response to Bob Timmons

    Thanks for the reply . It powers up but will not download . I tried ping testing and it sends but does not recieve . It is a round version with the model # A1034

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Mar 6, 2013 11:19 AM in response to rob cc
    Level 10 (105,303 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 6, 2013 11:19 AM in response to rob cc

    Open AirPort Utility 5.6.1, click on the AirPort Extreme and click Manual Setup

     

    Click directly on the word Version (3 rd line) and any available firmware updates will appear.

     

    If you have Firmware 6.3 installed, that is the latest update for your version of the AirPort Extreme.

     

    If the amber light is blinking, click directly on the word Status (2nd line) to get more information about the issue.

  • by rob cc,

    rob cc rob cc Mar 6, 2013 12:45 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 6, 2013 12:45 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    I checked out what you asked and found I  have firmware version 5.7 . I looked up version 6.3 and found it does not work with my operating system 10.6.8 . Maybe iI should consider updating the operating system ?

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Mar 6, 2013 1:34 PM in response to rob cc
    Level 10 (105,303 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 6, 2013 1:34 PM in response to rob cc

    Firmware 5.7 goes way back to where I cannot remember. We will have to rely on other users for info on that. I do not remember if it is possible to move from 5.7 to 6.3.

     

    The bottom line here is that when you click on Version, that will display any available firmware for your product. If 6.3 is not listed, then you cannot move to 6.3. What information is displayed there as far as available updates?

     

    What happened when you clicked on Status?

  • by rob cc,

    rob cc rob cc Mar 6, 2013 1:37 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 6, 2013 1:37 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    It shows verion 5.7 only.

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Mar 6, 2013 1:38 PM in response to rob cc
    Level 10 (105,303 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 6, 2013 1:38 PM in response to rob cc

    What happened when you clicked on Status.

  • by rob cc,

    rob cc rob cc Mar 6, 2013 1:59 PM in response to rob cc
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 6, 2013 1:59 PM in response to rob cc

    When I click staus it say's there are no known problems . When I click version it only shows 5.7 as an option . If I hard wire the internet with a ethernet cable I have no problems so my internet connection is fine . Problem is I have 2 roommates who need the internet so wireless is my only option . I appreciate your help...

  • by Bob Timmons,

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Mar 6, 2013 2:08 PM in response to rob cc
    Level 10 (105,303 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 6, 2013 2:08 PM in response to rob cc

    At this point, if you have not already done so, perform a complete power cycle of the network. Power everything off, wait a few minutes, start the modem first and let it run a few minutes, then start the AirPort and let it run a few minutes, then start the computers.

     

    If that does not help, then the only left to try is a Factory Default Reset on the AirPort Extreme to clear the old settings and set it up again. There are no guarantees that this will help, but it is a standard troubleshooting procedure if you want to give it a try.

     

    Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ

     

    If that does not help, your AirPort needs to be upgraded.  5 years is considered a good life for a wireless router and your AirPort is at least 7-8...maybe more.

     

    Good luck.