HT201945: Resetting an AirPort base station FAQ

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innerthunder
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Airport base station

I just moved to a new house and my airport time capsule just flashes yellow when I connect it to the ethernet.  The Cox technician is able to get his Sony Vaio to have internet access when it is hardwired and when it is wireless so we know there's no issue with the line in, but I cannot get online with my iMac or Macbook.  I can see my network but the wheel just keeps spinning and the light on the Airport flashes yellow.  We've tried unplugging and restarting devices but nothing has worked.  Also, my Vonage phone tells me I'm not connected when I turn it on.

MacBook Pro (13-inch Late 2011)

Posted on Dec 16, 2015 4:02 PM

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innerthunder

Q: Airport base station

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  • by LaPastenague,Helpful

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Dec 17, 2015 7:53 AM in response to innerthunder
    Level 9 (52,335 points)
    Wireless
    Dec 17, 2015 7:53 AM in response to innerthunder

    when you change networks.. the Airport (TC or AE or express makes no difference) needs a full factory reset and start over again.

     

    No files are lost when you do this from the hard disk.. Only the setup is going to altered.

     

    Even if the new install was identical to the old the change of router would still make a factory reset helpful.

     

    Start from a factory reset. No files are lost on the hard disk doing this.

    Factory reset universal

    Power off the TC.. ie pull the power cord or power off at the wall.. wait 10sec.. hold in the reset button.. be gentle.. power on again still holding in reset.. and keep holding it in for another 10sec. You may need some help as it is hard to both hold in reset and apply power. It will show success by rapidly blinking the front led. Release the reset.. and wait a couple of min for the TC to reset and come back with factory settings. If the front LED doesn’t blink rapidly you missed it and simply try again. The reset is fairly fragile in these.. press it so you feel it just click and no more.. I have seen people bend the lever or even break it. I use a toothpick as tool.

    N.B. None of your files on the hard disk of the TC are deleted.. this simply clears out the router settings of the TC.

    There can also be more serious issues.

     

    If this doesn't work tell us exactly what modem router Cox provided you with.. make and model.

  • by innerthunder,

    innerthunder innerthunder Dec 16, 2015 4:39 PM in response to LaPastenague
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 16, 2015 4:39 PM in response to LaPastenague

    Thank you - I will try this when I get home