AirPort Utility can't connect

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Level 1

4 points

AirPort Utility can't connect

I have an Airport Extreme base station that is about a year old. I have several devices connected to the internet via this router, including the Samsung laptop I am typing this question with. If I run AirPort Utility (windows) v5.6.1 it finds the base station (says it's version 7.7.3 if that's meaningful). When I select "continue" to try to modify the settings, it says it's reading from the device and then gives an error message "An error occurred while trying to access the Apple wireless device. Make sure your network connection is valid and try again." There is an error number 10057. Notable it never asks for the device password.

I have also attempted to use AirPort utility 6.3.2 on my wife's MacBook Pro. With that device I have attempted to connect both wirelessly and via an ethernet cable. It doesn't even see the device...though it does remain connected to the internet.

I have rebooted both computers as well as the router and the behavior doesn't change.

Any thoughts on how to proceed?

Airport Extreme Base Station-OTHER

Posted on Mar 11, 2016 10:15 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 12, 2016 8:43 AM in response to DaytonJer

You must reset the Airport Extreme.

Someone could have setup the unit to lockout changes.. accidently even.

I recommend firstly you do a soft reset.

Press the reset button for just 1-2sec.. the front led will flash amber.. this allows you 5min of access without security and will change all the passwords to factory. ie the AE main password will return to public.

See if you can access it during the 5min and make the changes you need.

Otherwise you need a full factory reset.

The danger with this is you lose your internet connection and then cannot get it back.

Factory reset universal

Power off the AE.. ie pull the power cord or power off at the wall.. wait 10sec.. hold in the reset button.. be gentle.. power on again still holding in reset.. and keep holding it in for another 10sec. You may need some help as it is hard to both hold in reset and apply power. It will show success by rapidly blinking the front led. Release the reset.. and wait a couple of min for the TC to reset and come back with factory settings. If the front LED doesn’t blink rapidly you missed it and simply try again. The reset is fairly fragile in these.. press it so you feel it just click and no more.. I have seen people bend the lever or even break it. I use a toothpick as tool.

I am a bit surprised you cannot access the Extreme via the Mac though.

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Answer 2

DaytonJer Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 12, 2016 8:47 AM in response to LaPastenague

Thanks! Did the trick....unfortunately I wasn't able to achieve my end goal though. I have an old iMac (the kind with the "floating" flat panel display) that we have resurrected to serve as a music player. The AirPort card in it can't handle any of the newer encryption standards, so i was going to enable the guest network on my base station and leave it un-encrypted so the old iMac can connect. Still won't connect though 😟 But that's for another post! Thanks for your help!

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