Why can't the newest Airport utility program find my Aiport Express 1st generation? Anybody have an idea?

Let's first make sure that you have a 1st Generation AirPort Express.

Please check the model number on the side of the AirPort Express. It starts with an "A" followed by four numbers.

A 1st Gen Express is Model No A1264

If you see A1084 or A1088, these models are much older versions of the AirPort Express, which are not supported by AirPort Utility in the Mavericks operating system. Apple did not start using the Generation naming until the Model A1264 in 2008.

You can configure the older AirPort if you have another Mac there running the Leopard or Snow Leopard operating system or a PC. All of these devices will use an AirPort Utility 5.x version, which is what you need.

If you do not have any of these devices, then you might possibly be able to borrow one for 10-15 minutes to set the Express set up.

If that is not possible, then you will need to add a new AirPort Express.

I was able to connect to my old Airport Express with Airport Utility 6.3.2 in Mavericks after performing a Hard Reset on my AE. After the reset, restart AU 6.3.2 and it will discover your old AE unit. You will then be able to reconfigure it. I now have my Airplay back again in iTunes!!! Finally.

I also then was able to update the Firmware on the AE...which I had never done before. It's running fine now.

Please check the model number on the side of your "old" AirPort Express.

You will likely see A1264 there, correct?

If yes, your "old" AirPort Express is not that "old". The really "old" Express models are A1084 and A1088.

hard reset worked for me as well. hold the tiny button down for 5+ seconds until the light starts rapidly flashing amber. restart AU and it should appear in "Other Wi-Fi Devices".

I have the same issue with Mavericks with the latest Airport Utility 6.3.4 that cannot see an old Airport Express (1084).

Is it possible to download the older Airport Utility (5.x) somewhere and use this to configure it?

Chris

Is it possible to download the older Airport Utility (5.x) somewhere and use this to configure it?

Not using Mavericks. See if you can borrow a Mac running Leopard or Snow Leopard or a PC for 10-15 minutes to set up the older A1084 Express.

Bob,

Thanks for the reply. My wife has a MacBook Air that has Mountain Lion -- will that work?

Appreciate your help and involvement in the Mac Support community!

Chris

Bob,

Sorry another question: you mentioned can also use a PC...which version of the Windows Airport utility do you recommend?

Thanks again!

Chris

There are different versions of AirPort Utility for different versions of Windows. Which version of Windows.....XP, Vista, 7, etc.....are you using?

Windows XP SP3, Vista SP2, 7 SP1 use......AirPort Utility 5.5.3 for Windows - Support - Apple

Windows 7 or higher use.....AirPort Utility 5.6.1 for Windows - Support - Apple