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airport express cannot be found by my iMac after a reset.

I visited the Apple Store to ask how my airport express, which I use only for streaming iTunes, could provide a better range as it only worked in the same room as my iMac. I was told to perform a reset and start again. I have done that and now all I get is a flashing amber light and no connection. I would welcome any help.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Dec 2, 2009 9:57 AM

21 replies

Dec 8, 2009 12:37 PM in response to rousdon

Once configured, it is not normal for the AX to blink the amber light. It should be green. If everything seems to be working OK, a blinking amber light may simply be an indication that a firmware update is available for the device.

If you want to pursue this, open AirPort Utility, except this time click on Manual Setup.

Click on the amber dot on the summary page to the right and another window will open with explanation about the flashing light. If there is a firmware update available, you can click to update your unit and the light will turn green.

If you do not want to pursue this, then pick up a sheet of small round stickers at an office supply store to cover up the light. It may take a few layers to keep the light from shining through.

rousdon Author

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Dec 9, 2009 8:54 AM in response to Bob Timmons

One final point. I have found that on clicking the amber light next to the icon for the AX in airport utility it tells me there is a problem. By clicking continue it tells me the problem is caused by there being no ethernet cable connected to the AX. Obviously I cannot connect an ethernet cable to the AX that is three rooms away. Connecting a cable negates the whole point of streaming iTunes wirelessly. Is there anyway of telling the AX that it only is dealing with iTunes so does not need an ethernet cable in which case it might show a solid green light?

Dec 9, 2009 9:29 AM in response to rousdon

Are you provided with an option to "ignore" this error. If so, select it and the green light should appear. If the option does not appear, I have no other suggestions.

rousdon Author

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Dec 12, 2009 7:00 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks for your suggestion. When I choose the ignore option that you suggested I get a window up saying that Problem 1 of 1 Internet Connection. Wireless device does not have a valid IP address. Yet my connection to the internet is running correctly whilst this is displayed. I have noticed that to get Airtunes to work I have to go to the Airport Icon top right of the menu bar and tick Sitting Room which is the name I gave the AX. This means my Internet Network becomes unchecked but my internet continues to be connected. Is it normal that I have to check the AX under the Airport Utility to stream Airtunes? I think all my problems are caused by the AX thinking it should be connected to the internet when all I want is for it to play Airtunes and if there was some way I could tell the AX not to bother with the internet it would stop telling me it had a problem and the light would go Green.

Dec 12, 2009 7:28 AM in response to rousdon

The symptoms you are describing indicate that you may not have the AX set to "join" the wireless network that your Netgear is providing.

Open AirPort Utility and click on Manual Setup
Click the Wireless tab below the row of icons
Wireless Mode should be set to "Join a wireless network"
Wireless Network Name should be the name the wireless network created by the Netgear router
Security should be the same as the Netgear is using
Password should be the same as the Netgear is using

I'm not sure what else to suggest at this point.

rousdon Author

Level 1

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Dec 14, 2009 6:57 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Bob

You have done it! I cannot express my thanks adequately, I am that pleased. I have spent hours on this including lengthy trips to my Apple Store (some way off) and on the phone to Apple Agents. I can't understand why two agents failed to get the AX working at all and their boss got it going but with the amber light flashing and claimed this would always be the case if the AX was used just for iTunes. Again, thank you so much and have a very happy Christmas and good 2010.

Rod

airport express cannot be found by my iMac after a reset.