Using Old Airport Utility 5.6.1 with New MacOS (mavericks & newer)

Not so. Fortunately, there is a solution, and that solution is Airport Utility 5.6.1 Launcher. A Google search will help you find it. I have been using this solution for years. When I needed it today, however, Airport Utility 5.6.1 had disappeared from my computers, and I assume that the recent installation of El Capitan deleted it because it is not 'launchable' in recent OS versions; but it does run, if launched with the app mentioned above.

Using Time Machine, I recovered Airport Utility 5.6.1 from a pre-10.11.x backup, and I am good to go...I just repurposed an old Airport Express - I have several.

In my Utilities folder, I keep another folder that I have named Airport Utility 5.6.1. In it I have Airport Utility 5.6.1 Launcher and Airport Utility 5.6.1. A double click on Launcher launches Airport Utility 5.6.1. As always, a message indicates that an update is available. Dismiss that...you don't want an update. Proceed to re-program your old Airport Expresses. Also, there were editable features that the new Utility doesn't offer (I think Status Light may be one). 5.6.1 enables you to set that on the newer Expresses.

The newer Airport Utility is still the right tool for the newer units, unless you want to change the function of the Status Light.

to goatmasterfunk and BigMike485 - you mentioned that the Launcher application couldn't find your old AEs. Try connecting your old AE by ethernet cable initially. You will then need to tap in the name of your wifi network manually (along with the password) as the wifi networks were not listed by dropdown. After restart I found my old AE was then able to connect to wifi and be identified and modified using Corey J Mahler's Launcher application that Randy has told us about. Hope this helps.

Ah, the thread that lives on forever. I ended up back here after having to reset my entire wireless network, first gen AE included. While the launcher solution worked previously, it didn't want to work this time. However, I had a win 10 laptop I was working on, and downloaded Airport utility 5.6.1 for windows. Worked like a charm. I realize the windows box isn't an option for everyone, but throwing it out there for future searchers.

Download AirPort Utility 5.6.1 for Windows

I bailed out and bought a new Airport Express. It's working well and I'm using it to extend the 2.4ghz and 5ghz networks.
My old one was around 8 or 9 years old

It seems as though in 10.11.1 recognizes the original Airport Express in 6.3.6 but refuses to set it up, while Maher's 5.6.1 doesn't find it at all anymore.

I can't see how this problem is anything more than Apple whining that their products last longer then they would prefer.

I've just downloaded Mr.Mahlers launcher (as zip file) and it worked almost plug and play with OS 10.11.5 El Capitan. Thank you Mr.Mahler and all others.

to goatmasterfunk and BigMike485 - you mentioned that the Launcher application couldn't find your old AEs. Try connecting your old AE by ethernet cable initially. You will then need to tap in the name of your wifi network manually (along with the password) as the wifi networks were not listed by dropdown. After restart I found my old AE was then able to connect to wifi and be identified and modified using Corey J Mahler's Launcher application that Randy has told us about. Hope this helps.

Thanks for this Randy. Just what I needed to try and figure our which of my devices is chewing up my bandwidth (as you know: can't monitor traffic with the latest Airport Utility). Your post been up for nearly a month now so hope it stays:)

Really helpful and the same problem I have. I have just taken a new MacBook Air with El Capitan.

However, despite the latest updates on Sir Mahler's blog, I can't see my old Airport Express in the 5.6.1 Utility.

I am guessing Apple have got round it again.

I will continue trying......

Thanx a lot for this hint, Randy,

i managed to set up my AirPort Express Station (A1088). But when i want to use airplay with itunes it sais the connection failed - although i was in the same room where the wlan router is. I even tried it when the AP was connected with an ethernet cable.

Can anyone help me with this?

Thanx

Thank you for this post. I'm setting up a MBA tomorrow that most likely shipped with Yosemite. I plan to upgrade it to El Capitan in a few days. It's a shame that Apple now insists on making our good devices inoperable. I no longer recommend Apple products to friends because of this. I still use them but cannot recommend.

Thank you again!

Thank you Beluga2. I actually bailed out a few weeks ago and bought a new AE

The one I had before was pre-1st generation and around 9 years old........way past its expected life. So, I treated myself (and Apple!).

The new one is noticeably better and of course 2.4ghz and 5ghz.

Anyway, thanks again for taking the time to respond.

Good luck.

Cheers

Thank you very much for this as I was about to throw my 4 x AE out.

I've managed to get to the point where the AE restarts but this is where it goes wrong. IT is never found again by the utility and actually it continues to flash orange - any ideas?

I'm wireless hub is a virgin super hub.

THanks

Thanks! I finally upgraded to El Cap. Was too P.O'd apparently to read the error message when the launcher couldn't find 5.6.1 !! After reading your post the lightbulb activated in my brain, had a copy on external drive and all is well again! Thank you once more!

Thanks very much.

I **so** agree with your rant (and could probably add several pages of my own rants, mainly to do with how Apple seems to have forgotten all the people that bought their products and apps in the 80s and 90s).

Andrew