Trying to set up Airport Express as range extender

Thank you, Bob, I will be brave! Your posts are helpful!

I don't have "Ethernet cable" and I assume it's something I have to buy . . . . being cheap as well, I suppose I'll try the Switcheroo. But thank you for this piece of information, Bob - I'm learning.

Bob, I had a big failure today. I clicked on Airport Extreme and "Switch," and chose the option "Extend the range of network." I answered the other required questions (password, etc.) then waited for Airport Utility to "Upgrade" the system. After about 3 minutes Airport Utility says that the network cannot be found! The whole internet service was down! Did not even appear in the Airport menu. The base station no longer appeared in the left column, and I had to reset and re-enter the base Extreme all over again.

Then I tried again but this time used Airport Express first. It said that my network "could not be found." I tried again the original way - I am embarrassed to tell how many times I tried this. Finally I gave up. I will be returning the Airport Express gizmo to amazon.com for a refund. I don't know how other smart people accomplished this, but apparently the range cannot be "extended' on Airport Extreme, so I sure don't need the Extender.

I wish I could learn something from this frustrating experience, other than I am not very capable, and Apple products are not all they are cracked up to be.

Any comments?

Thank you, Bob. That's encouraging. Will try.

Andy, do not despair. Thanks to Bob Timmons (see the above post) I called Apple Tech support and requested free phone support. It worked! I could try to explain what I did, but it is truly too complicated. And don't feel stupid - - it is NOT in the manual, and it is NOT intuitive or self-explanatory. If you fill out the tech support quetionnaire, ask them to waive the fee, and ask them to call you back, you will get someone to walk you through this.

I felt so frustrated yesterday but Bob Timmons' suggestion was right on.

I recommend this before you call: have serial numbers ready for both the Extreme and Express; have the Express unit in the room with you (a room with an electric outlet) and have your Airport Utility ready.

Good luck.

Bob, thank you for encouraging me to call Apple! It worked! A patient techie talked me through it. Now I just have to figure out correct placement and configuration of the two components. Much appreciated!