Airport Express 1st Generation: Worth repairing it?

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Airport Express 1st Generation: Worth repairing it?

Hi,

I have an Airport Express 1st Generation. When setting it up via my iPhone 6 the process freezes on "Waiting for Tim's Airport Express..." and/or "An unexpected error occurred. Try again." Does it make any sense to spend more time trying to resolve this problem, e.g. like bringing it to an Apple Store for repair? (I tried everything, like restarting the router, updating firmware, etc.)

As this is Airport Express is pretty old, maybe it's configuration just does not fit any more to modern devices/networks?

Would be great to get a hint here!

Thanks!

Posted on Feb 18, 2016 3:07 AM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,024 points

Feb 18, 2016 7:21 AM in response to Tim Berlin

An Apple Store can certainly check the AirPort Express for you, but they do not offer repairs on the device, since it is considered a sealed unit. Even if parts were available though, the cost of repairs would exceed the cost of a new device.

It sounds like you have made a number of attempts to get the AirPort set up, so not sure how many more attempts you want to make. You don't indicate what service you want the AirPort to perform, but if you can provide more details about that and the router you are trying to use, we might be able to offer a tip or two.

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Answer 2

Tim Berlin Author

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Feb 18, 2016 7:35 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Hi Bob,

Thanks a lot for your reply. I am using this AirPort Express, 1st gen, to stream music to speakers, I configured it as part of an existing wireless network. I have also an Apple TV and a last generation AirPort Express in the same network (the latter also to stream music.) These two work fine. The router I am using is from Deutsche Telekom (Germany) Speedport W 723V Typ B. Not sure if that says anything to you... I think Deutsche Telekom uses Huawei, but I am not sure about it...

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Answer 3

Bob Timmons

Level 10

185,024 points

Feb 18, 2016 9:19 AM in response to Tim Berlin

If you do have an Apple Store in your area, it would probably be a good idea to have them take a look at the Express. If it works OK at the Apple Store, then we can try a few more things.

If the Apple Store determines that the Express is defective, then the only thing to do at that point is purchase a new or used Express.

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Answer 4

Feb 18, 2016 12:25 PM in response to Tim Berlin

The 1st generation Express (I presume you mean the first N wireless model, not the G wireless)

If the power still works then it should be ok.. but you need a computer with ethernet for configuration.. and do it manually.

Setting up some devices by wireless when you are configuring wireless is alot like sawing off the branch you are sitting on.

Plug it into the computer running Airport utility.. a PC even running windows, can do 5.6 utility which works better than the later v6.

Use the manual method.

Airtport Utility can't find Airport Time Capsule on either of my 2009 Macs

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