HT201945: Resetting an AirPort base station FAQ

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peterpatter

Q: Is ethernet connection needed to reconfigure an 802.11n?

I can't find my password and want a shorter network name, so need to reset my 802.11n to factory settings and then start again.  While doing this is it necessary to connect the AEBS to the iMac via an ethernet cable, or can this be done while wirelessly connected to the computer?  The green light on the AEBS is on at the moment.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.7)

Posted on Oct 8, 2015 11:40 PM

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Q: Is ethernet connection needed to reconfigure an 802.11n?

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  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Oct 10, 2015 12:18 AM in response to peterpatter
    Level 10 (105,018 points)
    Wireless
    Oct 10, 2015 12:18 AM in response to peterpatter

    Wireless will work if that is the connection that you normally use.

     

    To reset the AEBS back to factory default settings........

     

    Log on to your wireless network as normal

    On your Mac, open Finder > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility

    Click on the picture of the AEBS and then click Edit in the smaller window that appears

    Or, if you are using an older version of AirPort Utility, once you click on the AEBS, click Manual Setup

    Click the Base Station menu at the top of the screen up were you see the Apple icon, File menu, Edit menu, Help menu etc.

    Click Restore Default Settings

     

    That will reset the AEBS back to its original factory default settings so that you can set it up again

     

    Restore Default Settings.png

  • by peterpatter,

    peterpatter peterpatter Oct 9, 2015 2:09 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 9, 2015 2:09 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Many thanks Bob,

    However, AirPort Utility does not even indicate the AEBS (see attachment below).  Manual Setup and Continue are greyed out.  I've now found a CD that came with the AEBS and it says: press the reset button etc. with the tip of a ball pen for a hard reset or a factory reset.  If I do this, will I need the AEBS connected to the iMac with an ethernet cable, or can it remain wirelessly connected?  This is a big concern.

    Incidentally, from the wireless icon at the top right of the screen I can select a second network, but it requires a password to open it.  That's one of the reasons that I need to establish new names and passwords.

     

    Screen shot 2015-10-10 at 7.31.23 AM.png