Airport utility doesn't recognize airport express?

Your profile indicates that you are using OS X 10.7.2 or higher. AirPort Utility in this version of Lion will not recognize older versions of the AirPort Express.

Please download and install AirPort Utility 5.6 for Mac OS X Lion for use with the older Express devices.

You can keep both AirPort Utility 5.6 and 6.1 on your Mac and use the one that you need.

Are you sure that you are using Lion 10.7.2 as your profile indicates......or......have you updated to Mountain Lion 10.8.2?

I took the info in your post at face value.

f you have Mountain Lion, more steps will be required to install AirPort Utility 5.6. Not sure if you want the hassle here. Might be a good time to pick up a new Express that will be compatible with Mountain Lion.

A workaround to install AirPort Utility 5.6 on Mountain Lion can be found here:

http://www.macworld.com/article/1167965/mountain_lion_and_the_ancient_airport_ba se_station.html

I believe I had a similar problem and found your instructions helpful without too much effort.

I've been in the 10.8.2 environment with no disruption to my wireless network until I choose to reconfigure it.

I'm using a Time Capsule as my primary wireless base station with a DSL modem directed into it. I then use an older Airport Express Base Station to extend the wireless network.

Upon reconfiguring the Time Capsule, Airport Utility 6.1 recognized it but not the Airport Express Base Station and the extended network was lost.

Using the workaround you described, I was able to obtain, unpackage and install airport utility 5.6 and then subsequently airport utility 5.6.1. Both recognized and maintained the configuration of my time capsule but neither version recognizes my older airport express base station. I did a factory default reset of the airport express base station a couple of times and rescanned using the airport utility 5.6.1 and it still does not recognize it.

My question is whether there is something beyond which version of airport utility and the airport express base station that might need adjusting. For example, anything to do with my time capsule configuration or other network settings?

Thanks.

I did a factory default reset of the airport express base station a couple of times and rescanned using the airport utility 5.6.1 and it still does not recognize it.

Please perform a Factory Default Reset again on the Express again as follows:

Power off he Express

Let it rest for a few minutes

Hold in the reset button first, and keep holding it in for another 9-10 seconds while you simultaneously plug the Express back in to power

Release the reset button after the hold period and alllow a full minute for the Express to restart

Temporarily, connect a spare Ethernet cable from your Mac to the AirPort Express

Now open AirPort Utiliy 5.6 and the Express should appear so that it can be reconfigured. You do not need AirPort Utility 5.6.1, but can use it if you want.

Once the Express has been configured, you can disconnect the Ethernet cable

If AirPort Utility still cannot "see" the Express, and you have tried the Factory Default Reset a few times, the Express is not going to work, and will need to be replaced

bob, can you give me any help on my issue? i don't like to hijack but i really need some help on:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4745409?answerId=21038693022#21038693022

Sorry, I am traveling and do not have a few AirPorts handy or software available to test things out.

I do not answer a question unless I have tested the answer first.

thanks bob, you are a pro.

The ethernet cable did the trick.

Was able to configure using a power receptacle close to my Mac. Once configured, I was able to move it (powered down in the process by necessity) to the power receptacle I want it in to extend the wireless network originating from the Time Capsule. Just plugged it in and immediately was recognized and maintained the configuration set up using the ethernet cable.

Thank you so much for your invaluable assistance.