Installing Airport Extreme 2nd Gen. 802.11n. Install utility disc and get to "destination select" and tells me "Airport can't be installed on this disc, the version of Mac OS X is not supported. What do I do?
MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)
Getting a 6-8 year old AirPort up and running will either be quick and easy or almost impossible. It all depends. We will try.
The install disk is at least 6 years out of date. Toss it in the trash bin.
You already have the most up to date utility on your Mac.
Look in Finder > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility
If the previous owner updated the firmware on the AirPort Extreme, then the set up will not be too difficult. If he did not, things are going to be extremely difficult.
What modem will the AirPort Extreme connect to?
Are you familiar with how to set up an AirPort on a Mac?
Hi Bob,
Thanks for your help. This is a brand new, never used, just out of the box router. I'm coming directly (ethernet) from my Xfinity Arris TG862 Modem/Router. I'm using this as an extended connection hub because my Arris signal is weak in my bonus room on the other end of my house.
Thanks for any info you send my way!
John
By the way, yes sir, this is my first time installing an Airport Extreme on a Mac.
This is a brand new, never used, just out of the box router.
It might be "new', but it has been sitting somewhere for at least 6 years, and probably close to 8. 😉
The first task will be to locate a Mac that is running an older operating system......like Lion (10.5.x) or Snow Leopard (10.6.x). Might you have an older Mac.....or know someone who has one? A PC that has a Windows version AirPort Utility installed on the device might work.
I don't have access to a Mac with that older OS. Can I install it on my mac temporarily?
I just wanted to give you a heads up that it was new so you would be aware no one had installed the older firmware on it, but now I wish it was a used one, lol.
"I don't have access to a Mac with that older OS. Can I install it on my mac temporarily?"
Sorry, but no. Unfortunately, we are in the extremely difficult stage that I mentioned earlier.
The first obstacle to overcome is that the firmware on the AirPort Extreme must be updated so that it will work with the Mac that you have.
But, you have to use an older Mac to update the firmware.......which should have been done 6-7 years ago.
Kind of a Catch 22. Maybe you have friend with a PC who would be willing to download and install AirPort Utility for Windows and let you use the PC for an hour or so?
If you are near an Apple Store, maybe they could update the firmware on the AirPort Extreme for you?
Yes, there is an Apple store nearby, I can give that a try or my folks also own a PC that I can borrow.
I tried Finder > Applications > Utilities> Airport Utilities as you mentioned but no luck there either. I appreciate your help. I'm sure i'll get this figured out one way or another.
I just checked the service status of the AirPort Extreme that you have......and Apple Support shows it as an Obsolete item.......so while it is worth a try to check with the Apple Store, they may not be able to help.
If you were calling Apple Support, the obsolete status means that they would not be able to help you.....even if you were willing to pay.
Best bet might be to use the PC. Do you know what version of Windows that it is running? XP, Vista, 7, etc?
Actually my friend owns a computer repair center in my town so i'll see what he can do.
I believe it's Vista
Wow, this is crazy! Who knew a router would be so difficult to set up.
It was only $40 on eBay with free shipping so not really a huge loss.
May be an easy route to just grab a cheap Linksys or Netgear at this point.
Installing Airport Extreme 2nd Gen. 802.11n.
