Airport extreme reset button is broke and original owner forgot password. How can you get around it setup?

Question

Airport extreme reset button is broke and original owner forgot password. How can you get around it setup?

I recently got an Airport Extreme and Airport Express. I'm trying to setup the network and the original owner's config is currently on the devices. After reading the manual and following the steps I still wasn't able to access it. After trying numerous resets on the Extreme we concluded the button was jammed/broken and after contacting the orignal owner he forgot his password he used to setup. Wondering if there are steps to get around this and setup my own network.

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2012), iOS 7.1.1

Posted on Apr 26, 2014 8:48 AM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,108 points

Apr 26, 2014 8:55 AM in response to R_Strittmatter

Sorry, but if the reset button is not working to reset the device normally, and the original owner does not remember the password....to allow changes to the current settings......the AirPort is unfortunately unuseable.

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Answer 2

Apr 26, 2014 11:28 AM in response to R_Strittmatter

Just open the AE and hold in the reset by hand.

I would try and fix it whilst you are in there..

See http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/search/airport+extreme

Just pick the repair guide for the nearest version to yours.

What happens is people apply far too much pressure to the reset and the plastic lever bends out over the top of the small switch on the board. With a bit of careful work you can lever the lever back into place.

Regardless you can hold it in with a small blade screwdriver for the initial power on .. long enough to get rid of the settings.. but remember to write down the password so it doesn't happen again.

The old extreme is only 12v so perfectly safe to work on whilst powered on..but just take care you only push the switch in. Having a friend to help is essential. You simply don't have enough arms.

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