Airport utility can't find any airport wireless devices

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Level 1

20 points

Airport utility can't find any airport wireless devices

I asked a previous question but things are getting worse. I got the installation disk. I can't even check the base because I can't do a manual setup. I can't get past this instructon of not finding the device. The time capsule continues to give me a flashing amber light. I'm connected to the modem. Things were fine until my son messed around and set us back to default settings. I was trying to set up the WAN protected stuff and everything went downhill.

I'm completely lost and have no idea what to do anymore. Also, I can't remember the passwords for the device. Should I call Apple support. Although I will have to pay. Hoping you can help me here.

mac pro

Posted on Jun 18, 2011 5:51 PM

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Answer 1

Jun 18, 2011 6:24 PM in response to originale

If the Time Capsule was set back to factory default settings, it is now providing a default wireless network with a name like Apple Network xxxxxx, where the "x" can be either a letter or number.

You must first log on to this wireless network and establish a connection (there is no security, so no password is required).....then.....open AirPort Utility and configure the Time Capsule using wireless.

If you do not first log on to the default Apple Network xxxxxxx, AirPort Utility will never "find" the Time Capsule.

You also have an option of configuring the Time Capsule by connecting an Ethernet cable from your computer to one of the LAN <-> ports on the Time Capsule. If you try the Ethernet method, it would be a good idea to restart both the computer and Time Capsule. Once you have the Time Capsule setup and updated, you can disconnect the Ethernet cable.

Once AirPort Utility "sees" the Time Capsule, you can re-configure it using Manual Setup or follow the guided setup by clicking Continue.

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Answer 2

originale Author

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20 points

Jun 18, 2011 6:24 PM in response to Bob Timmons

I read previous posts and tried this all. First, it isn't seeing anything called Apple Network. When I open networks there are a bunch there but not that. I tried connecting ethernet to Time Capsule port so it could find it. And it never did. That's why I went back to the disc and started over with a new install. I am completely befuddled and have no idea what to do.

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Answer 3

Jun 18, 2011 6:26 PM in response to originale

First, it isn't seeing anything called Apple Network

Please list the exact steps that you are performing when you try to connect to this wireless network.

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Answer 4

originale Author

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20 points

Jun 18, 2011 6:30 PM in response to Bob Timmons

ok. Well when I connect the modem to the TC, and I click airport utility it does a rescan and finds nothing and gives me that message about no wireless devices.

When I look at network preferences and see which networks are listed, Apple isn't one of them.

The amber light on TC is flashing

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Answer 5

Jun 18, 2011 6:40 PM in response to originale

You mean that you are:

1) Clicking the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of the Mac's screen

2) Clicking Join Other Network

3) Clicking Show Networks

4) Looking for Apple Network xxxxxx?

If you do not see the Apple Network xxxxxx, the Time Capsule was not reset correctly.

1) Pull the power cord from the back of the Time Capsule

2) Leave it off for at least 15 minutes, longer is better

3) Hold in the reset button

4) While you continue to hold in the reset button, plug the power back in to the Time Capsule and keep holding the reset button another 8-10 seconds, then release

5) Allow 30 seconds for the Time Capsule to restart to a slow blinking amber light

6) Repeat the steps in the first part of this message to locate Apple Network xxxxxx

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Answer 6

originale Author

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20 points

Jun 18, 2011 8:14 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Followed your instructions. Did this twice. Still no apple network

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Answer 7

Jun 18, 2011 8:25 PM in response to originale

If you can't "see" the Apple Network and the Ethernet connection method does not work, I'm afraid that it is time to take the device to an Apple store. There are no more procedures to try at this point.

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Answer 8

originale Author

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Jun 18, 2011 8:25 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thank you for your help.

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Answer 9

Jun 18, 2011 8:39 PM in response to originale

Sorry, I have one more suggestion using the Ethernet cable from your Mac to one of the LAN ports

Open Airport Utility

Click the File menu in the upper left hand corner of the screen

Click Configure Other

Enter the following in the address box:

10.0.1.1

Enter the following in the password box

public

Click OK

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Answer 10

originale Author

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20 points

Jun 18, 2011 8:41 PM in response to Bob Timmons

This was the error. Make sure your Apple Wi-Fi base station is plugged in and in range of your computer or connected via Ethernet and try again. (-6753)

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Answer 11

Jun 18, 2011 8:46 PM in response to originale

Last gasp would be to try AirPort Utility 5.5.3 if you have not already downloaded and installed it.

Click the Apple icon and then click Software Updates

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Answer 12

originale Author

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20 points

Jun 18, 2011 8:51 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Duh.... I didn't have the ethernet connected to the TC. Ok. So now I see the Apple network. Hallelujah!! You are a genius! So now I see hte Apple network. I had actually seen it hours ago, didn't know what it meant nor what to do with it. So now that I'm here- finally- how on earth do I set up the TC and reconnect to my WPA2 enabled network which I can see when I click advanced ?

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Answer 13

Jun 18, 2011 8:56 PM in response to originale

You will need to click Continue in AirPort Utility and follow the guided setup just like you did when you originally setup the Time Capsule.

You can go ahead the assign the same wireless network name and password that you used previously for the Time Capsule during the setup.

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Answer 14

originale Author

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20 points

Jun 18, 2011 9:00 PM in response to Bob Timmons

I did that before and that's where I messed up. I don't understand some of the choices it asks me to make. Do I want to create a new wirelss network or replace one or......Because each time I made a choice last time, it gave me another choice which got me into hot water. I don't really understand what I want to do.

BTW- just gave you a shout-out on Twitter. YOu are amazing to hang in with me like this!!!

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Answer 15

Jun 18, 2011 9:14 PM in response to originale

We're going to need some info about your modem to be able to specify the correct settings.

If you can provide the manufacturer and model number for the modem, I will post instructions Sunday morning.

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