Yellowbox

Q: Reset Airport Express after too many uninformed attempts

Dear Fellow Airport Express Users,

 

My internet connection failed (from the Internet Service Provider's end). Unaware, and like an idiot I played with my settings. A knowledgeable and courteous man from my ISP helped me over the phone to get my modem reset. I am now able to access the internet by ethernet cable from computer to modem.

 

However, I can not get Airport to connect to my computer by Wi-Fi. When I connect my modem to Airport, Airport Utility shows me a pretty picture. Network Preferences > Assist me... > Diagnostics... sends me around in circles.

 

I have tried a factory reset of Airport, quitting from Safari, restarting my computer, turning off power to modem and Airport...

 

I have read 'Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ' http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3728 but a factory restart by pressing the restart button does not result in a rapidly flashing amber light. The light remains steady amber.

I think I have gone through too many layers of changes. I now have three Wi-Fi locations (Automatic, and two more that I created to try to reconnect). Please help me to go back to square one and start again.

I can not find the model number for my Airport. I purchased the flat model in December 2012.

Regards,

Ian.

Airport Express Base Station

Posted on Apr 19, 2013 3:35 AM

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Q: Reset Airport Express after too many uninformed attempts

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Yellowbox,

    Yellowbox Yellowbox Apr 19, 2013 3:46 AM in response to Yellowbox
    Level 6 (10,455 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 19, 2013 3:46 AM in response to Yellowbox

    Hi again,

     

    I should have added details from my profile. I thought that was automatic in an original post. MacBook Pro (13 inch, mid 2012) OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.3.

     

    Ian.

  • by John Galt,Helpful

    John Galt John Galt Apr 19, 2013 2:04 PM in response to Yellowbox
    Level 8 (48,595 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 19, 2013 2:04 PM in response to Yellowbox

    ... I am now able to access the internet by ethernet cable from computer to modem.

     

    That's OK but it tends to lead to confusion when you need to communicate as well as troubleshoot your AirPort Express problems.

     

    Whenever you disconnect the device (Express, or Mac) connected to your modem, make it a habit to power down the modem first. Then, connect whatever you intend to use, followed by powering up the modem again.

     

    If you purchased yours from Apple last December then you have the latest, current production dual band AirPort Express.

     

    I have read 'Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ 'http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3728 but a factory restart by pressing the restart button does not result in a rapidly flashing amber light. The light remains steady amber.

     

    Make certain you performed the reset correctly. If you do not hold the reset button depressed long enough you will be unable to perform another "hard reset" for a number of minutes. In that event, perform a "factory defaults reset": hold its reset button depressed while you connect the Express to power. This usually requires three hands. You must absolutely get to the point where the Express's LED is flashing amber, slowly, about once per second. If it remains illuminated amber without blinking a minute or two after powering up, something is wrong with it that you will be unable to fix.

     

    Locations really don't matter. Leave yours in Automatic.

  • by Yellowbox,

    Yellowbox Yellowbox Apr 20, 2013 4:12 AM in response to John Galt
    Level 6 (10,455 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 20, 2013 4:12 AM in response to John Galt

    Thanks John.

     

    perform a "factory defaults reset": hold its reset button depressed while you connect the Express to power. This usually requires three hands.

     

    I will try this when my wife (right-hand woman!) is back from her busy day.

     

    Whenever you disconnect the device (Express, or Mac) connected to your modem, make it a habit to power down the modem first. Then, connect whatever you intend to use, followed by powering up the modem again.

     

    Useful hint. Thank you.

     

    Regards,

    Ian

  • by Yellowbox,

    Yellowbox Yellowbox Jun 13, 2013 11:09 AM in response to John Galt
    Level 6 (10,455 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 13, 2013 11:09 AM in response to John Galt

    Hi John,

     

    A much belated reply from me. Thank you for your help. It worked. To help others with this problem, I found that updating to OS X 10.8.4 and updating to the latest version of Airport software through App Store has made my WiFi connection much more stable.

     

    Now, how do I thank you (not me) with a green tick?

     

    perform a "factory defaults reset": hold its reset button depressed while you connect the Express to power. This usually requires three hands.

     

    It is too easy to just click (and pat myself on the back) when the bravo belongs to the person who helped me. The Terms of Use in this forum forbid asking for points, but I am inviting you to gain points by giving me advice on where to click.

     

    Regards,

    Ian.

  • by John Galt,Solvedanswer

    John Galt John Galt Jun 13, 2013 11:54 AM in response to Yellowbox
    Level 8 (48,595 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 13, 2013 11:54 AM in response to Yellowbox

     

     

    Glad to help, and even happier that it worked. Thanks for the update. Now you're an expert!