Error -4 ?

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Error -4 ?

I was trying to save the configuration file for one of the routers on the network, but I could no find it with the utility. I simply reset it and since then I have not been able to log back into it.

I see "Base Station fbdca7" on the airport utility list (Windows Vista, btw), but when I try to configure it, the utility spends a long time "looking for Apple wireless devices" before finally declaring: "An error occurred while trying to access the base station. Make sure your network connection is valid and try again." , I think it lost its firmware, because when I click on it, the utility says: "airport utility found an with default settings".

I browsed to the firmware that I need on Apple's support page and clicked download, but all I could find is instructions on how to update the firmware from the utility. -_- The utility can't connect to it. So I am unable. Is this thing bricked? I really need it to work. I'm in a rural part of India, and I am leaving tomorrow afternoon and this worked when I got here, and I need to leave behind full documentation on the setup procedures available to boot.

I've got the latest utility software. What can I do here?

AP Xtreme Base Station, Windows Vista

Posted on Feb 10, 2010 10:16 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 10, 2010 10:27 AM in response to astarrh

Try temporarily connecting an ethernet cable from your computer to one of the LAN ports on the AirPort Extreme.

AirPort Utility should be able to "see" the device that way.

You can disconnect the ethernet cable once you have the device reconfigured.

Once you have the Extreme reconfigured, you can save the configuration file by clicking on the File menu at the top of the screen next to the Apple icon and selecting "Save a Copy As". Choose your destination to store the file.

If you need to "reload" the configuration, click the File menu again and select Open Configuration File. Navigate to your your file and click Open.

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Answer 2

astarrh Author

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Feb 10, 2010 10:28 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Ok, I had it connected via ethernet earlier, but it didn't seem to make a difference. Is there something I need to set to make it search via LAN?

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Answer 3

astarrh Author

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Feb 10, 2010 11:08 AM in response to astarrh

Update: When I scan with my wireless turned off, the utility does not find anything. I found it's IP address through the command prompt, and I typed it into the "configure other dialog", but it simply continues to ask me for another password. I have tried "password" and "admin", but I can't think of any other default passwords to try. Leaving it blank cancels the process.

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Answer 4

astarrh Author

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Feb 10, 2010 11:10 AM in response to astarrh

Update: When I scan with my wireless turned off, the utility does not find anything. I found it's IP address through the command prompt, and I typed it into the "configure other dialog", but it simply continues to ask me for another password. I have tried "password" and "admin", but I can't think of any other default passwords to try. Leaving it blank cancels the process.

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Answer 5

astarrh Author

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Feb 10, 2010 11:25 AM in response to astarrh

I'm afraid it's bricked 😟

I found some firmware in an archive, be even when I try to "upload firmware" it goes through the "detecting Apple wireless devices" and bounces me back... It looks like Apple charges for support on these things too.

I found an old D-link I can just plug in... thanks for your time, sir.

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Answer 6

Feb 10, 2010 6:12 PM in response to astarrh

The device password is "public" unless you changed this in a previous configuration.

Try resetting the device back to factory defaults to see if it will allow itself to be reconfigured.

Power down the AirPort Extreme
Hold in the reset button and keep holding it in as you plug the power back in
Release the reset button after 10 seconds

Any luck?

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