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error -6753 when airport utility trying "to access wireless device"

I recently replaced a 3rd party router with Airport Extreme. Airport Express was connected via ethernet to the existing router; a HP C4600 printer was connected to the Express via cable. Since switching the router, I can still print wirelessly from my MacBook Pro laptop but can no longer print from the PC that is hard-wired to the Extreme. The Express is flashing amber. When I go into Airport Utility, it sometimes "finds" the Express and sometimes doesn't. When I try to configure the Express, I receive an error message -6753 (error in accessing the wireless device...check that network is valid). Bonjour for Windows also cannot find the printer. I have tried disconnecting and reconnecting all cords and plugs without success. Suggestions?

Posted on Apr 26, 2010 5:56 PM

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5 replies

Apr 27, 2010 6:36 AM in response to GCS3

Welcome to the discussions forum GCS3.

You're using Windows? Look at this thread:

error -6753

To use Airport Utility, try connecting your Express to your computer via Ethernet:

This method avoids the understandable confusion that results from having to switch wireless networks for the sole purpose of configuring the Express (or Extreme), and subsequently switching networks to the new one created as a result of configuring it.

Apr 28, 2010 11:17 AM in response to John Galt

Thanks for your reply.

I am running Windows XP Pro (SP3) on the PC.
As suggested, I connected the Express directly to the PC via ethernet. Airport Utility recognized it and allowed me to set it up again.

I then restored my prior configuration (PC to Extreme via ethernet, Extreme to Express (USB printer attached) via ethernet, cable modem to Extreme).
Utility recognized both -- briefly.

I went to modify one element of the Extreme set up and upon updating...Utility could no longer "find" the Extreme. Express still appeared in the Utility window (with a green light on the screen though flashing amber). The Extreme was flashing amber.

I tried unplugging elements of the system one by one. I finally had to do a hard reset of the Extreme.

Now, I'm exactly back where I started. Extreme is green, Express is flashing amber. I can print wirelessly from my laptop (why would this work?) but not from the PC hard-wired to the system.

The thread for error -6753 is very technical and not intuitive to follow. I made certain that the "channels" for Express and Extreme were the same, as well as the network name and password. I set up the Extreme as "create a network" and enabled it to allow expansion. I set up the Express as "extend a network;" I entered the Apple ID of the Extreme on the WDS screen.

Obviously, I am missing something. I guess I could simply take the Express out of the loop and attach the USB printer to the Extreme (I initially purchased the Express as a print server b/c my 3rd party router did not have a USB port)...but then, what do I do with the Express?

Apr 28, 2010 8:13 PM in response to GCS3

... I set up the Express as "extend a network;" I entered the Apple ID of the Extreme on the WDS screen.

Ah. I am glad you told me that. As I understand your network, you want the Express to "create a wireless network", not "extend", "join", or "participate in a WDS". Create. The network it creates should have the *exact same network name and security* as the network you instructed your Extreme to create. Leave its radio channel on "automatic" though, since the Express and Extreme will need to use different wireless channels. "Automatic" will let them figure that out between themselves (though you should confirm they're really different after they've done so).

Under "internet" make sure "Connect Using" is set to "Ethernet". "Connection Sharing" must be set to *"off (bridge mode)"*.

The fact your Express is connected to the Extreme via Ethernet is a very good thing. In that configuration, your Express will get its IP address from your Extreme via Ethernet, and create its own wireless network. Your computers can wander from the Extreme's wireless range to the Express's without interruption.

A WDS accomplishes the same thing, but without a wired connection between the two base stations. In that case you would need both radio channels to be identical. Since they're connected via Ethernet, you don't need or want a WDS. It's a pain to set up and presents significant disadvantages over the wired connection that you have.

You can leave the Extreme's "allow this network to be extended" check box set, or not. It won't hurt anything but that's not what you need in this configuration.

I'm not using an Airport network at the time being, so there might be something I missed until I can verify these steps. Until then I hope this gets things going in the right direction.

Apr 28, 2010 8:11 PM in response to GCS3

I can print wirelessly from my laptop (why would this work?) but not from the PC hard-wired to the system.

Even though your Express isn't getting a valid IP address, it's still creating a wireless network. Your laptop connects to it, along with the printer. Your hard-wired PC can't find it since your Express is effectively not participating in the wired network.

You could probably stream Airtunes using the Express's wireless also.

Simple explanation 🙂

error -6753 when airport utility trying "to access wireless device"

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