Can't set up AirPort Express!!!

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Can't set up AirPort Express!!!

I recently bought a second-hand AirPort Express to expand my home’s wireless network, which is already comprised of two other Airport Expresses relaying internet.

I plug in my Airport Express, and it begins to blink its amber light, indicating it’s ready to be set up. I go on to my Windows Vista laptop, and open the Airport Utility to set it up. I am readily able to enter the default network the AirPort creates, and the Utility sees the device just fine, and lists it. I click the continue button to set it up, and a pop up comes on and off quickly, connecting to the Airport’s network. The AirPort Utility then goes on to a next pop-up window which indicates “Detecting Apple Wireless Devices…” The process bar on this slowly fills up and at the end, an error pops up, indicating “An error occurred while trying to access the Apple wireless device. Make sure your network connection in valid and try again. Error -4”.

I have attempted to connect the AirPort Express to my laptop to set it up, but when I do it in that manner, the device does not show up at all on the AirPort Utility. I have tried adding in exceptions to my firewall to no avail.

Please help!!

HP Pavilion dv2620, Windows Vista

Posted on Nov 19, 2009 5:40 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 19, 2009 6:57 PM in response to nicolegranda

Welcome to the discussions!

Try a factory default reset on the AirPort Express as follows:

Pull the Express from power
Hold in the reset button and keep holding it in as you plug the Express back in to power
Release the reset button after 8-10 seconds

It sounds like you may be trying to configure the device to participate in a WDS, is that correct? Or are you trying to use the "extend a wireless network" configuration to expand your wireless network?

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Answer 2

nicolegranda Author

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Nov 19, 2009 7:08 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks for the welcome!

Tried the factory default reset, and I still get the same response.

It's an 802.11n capable Airport Express, so from what I've read, I should be doing the second, extending my wireless network.

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Answer 3

Nov 19, 2009 7:54 PM in response to nicolegranda

Sometimes the AX will lock up after repeated attempts at configuration.

Power it down for at least 30 minutes, then try the factory default reset again.

Check to make sure that you have the latest version of AirPort Utility for Windows.
It's located here: http://support.apple.com/kb/DL795

Not sure what else to suggest. In general, I think users have less difficulty using the ethernet cable to configure the device, but you would try this wireless as well.

If you try several factory default resets and the AirPort Utility still can't "see" the Express, it could be a case of a defective device.

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Answer 4

nicolegranda Author

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Nov 20, 2009 5:46 AM in response to Bob Timmons

I have the latest version of the software. I unplugged my AX all day before trying last night. I did the same today, I'll try resetting it once again when I get home. If no one has any more suggestions, and if it does not function, I guess I'll have to ask for an exchange.

Thanks for your help 🙂

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Answer 5

nicolegranda Author

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Nov 20, 2009 12:03 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Reset it and I still got the same response as described above.
Does anyone else have any idea of what I can do?

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Answer 6

nicolegranda Author

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Nov 22, 2009 11:42 AM in response to nicolegranda

I finally resolved the issue by finding a Mac computer and setting it up through there. I also had to make sure to define the relay and remotes correctly. Had I not had the Mac computer available, I would never have been able to set up my AirPort. HORRIBLE!! So much for "compaitbility"!!!

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Answer 7

nicolegranda Author

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Nov 22, 2009 11:43 AM in response to nicolegranda

I finally resolved the issue by finding a Mac computer and setting it up through there. I also had to make sure to define the relay and remotes correctly. Had I not had the Mac computer available, I would never have been able to set up my AirPort. HORRIBLE!! So much for "compaitbility"!!!

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Answer 8

Feb 16, 2010 9:01 AM in response to nicolegranda

I've had the exact same problem. Called Apple support and they thought it was a faulty AX. Got a new one. Same result. Something about Vista, Airport Utility, and AX just doesn't work. I'll keep trying, but finding a Mac may be the best result. Oddly, the new AX works with the internet yet I can't configure the dang thing!

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