Problem Replacing AX Express

Question

Problem Replacing AX Express

I am currently using the older, dome-shaped, Airport Extreme base station, and although I'm having a problem re-establishing a wireless connection with my printers, it is otherwise working well.

Nevertheless I decided to update the router, and bought an Airport Extreme 802.11n. When I went to set up the new router I found the amber "connection" light was continually flashing, so I decided to install the software and do a new, assisted set-up.

In doing so I was surprised to get a message that the hardware drive in my iMAC is not compatible with the Airport Extreme (software?) - consequently I couldn't continue the installation process.

The identifier for my 21" iMAC desk top is iMAC 11,2. It has an Intel Core i5 processor and runs at 3.6GHz.

I apologise if this question has already been addressed, but I would be grateful for any advice from the Community. I hate to think I simply have to bite the bullet, stick with the older Extreme and find a new home for the 802.11n model.

Mac OS X (10.6.8), Intel Core i5

Posted on Feb 20, 2012 2:37 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 20, 2012 2:52 PM in response to Marianne Hosea

Have you checked your Software Update lately?

Your profile says you are running 10.6.8 ??? Is this so???

If you are running Lion, then there are some updates for Airport...

If you are running Lion, then download this:

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

AE = Airport Extreme

AX = Airport Express

TC = Time Capsule

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Answer 2

Feb 20, 2012 3:02 PM in response to Joseph Kriz

Thanks for your response Mr Kriz, and in answer to your question, yes I am still running Snow Leopard - Version 10.6.8. I'm afraid I'm a bit of a luddite, and have not yet steeled myself to make the leap to Lion. Could this be the problem??

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Answer 3

Feb 20, 2012 3:15 PM in response to Marianne Hosea

No, no problem....

Have you run Software Update on your computer?

You should be able to setup your Airport using the Airport Utility in your Utilities folder....

It should be version 5.5.3 for Snow Leopard if I am not mistaken.

What happens when you open up Airport Utility?

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Answer 4

Feb 20, 2012 3:49 PM in response to Joseph Kriz

Hi Mr Kiriz: Answering your question.. (a) Yes, I have run Software Update on my 'puter, (b) nope, I'm afraid my only attempt at installing the newer Airport Extreme (NOT Express as I stupidly put in the Topic line), was to put in the AE software disc, and when it couldn't be loaded on my hard drive I gave up.

Having now unhooked the 802.11n and gone back to "the dome", if you'll bear with me I'll follow your suggestion and give the newer AE another "whirl" tomorrow, using Airport Utility; but excuse my "pea brain" question - will the Airport Utility recognise the newer Base station if it evidently isn't transmitting - i.e. the coninuously blinking amber light?

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Answer 5

Feb 20, 2012 4:06 PM in response to Marianne Hosea

The blinking light generally means it is just not setup yet, or setup properly...

Can you go to your Airport icon in the upper right of your screen on the menu bar and see if the Airport Extreme network is showing up....

If not, you probably can still use the Airport Utility in your Utilites folder.

You need to try to open that up too....

Actually, you did not need to install anything from the disk they gave you as you already have a newer Mac...

See this Apple doc:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1589

Good Luck

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