OS not compatible with airport express

How do I update airport express when Mac OS is not compatible?

Unfortunately, there are no recent firmware updates available for an older AirPort Express model that was discontinued in 2007, since Apple has classified the older versions as "Obsolete".

Look on the side of the Express to locate the model number. A1084 and/or A1088 were discontinued in 2007.

Simplest thing to do with one of these models might be to borrow an older Mac or any PC to administer the old Express. The Mac would need to be running an older OS like Leopard (10.5.x) or Snow Leopard (10.6.x).

Any version of AirPort Utility for Windows will do what you want. Kind of embarrassing to ask a friend with a PC if you could borrow his computer to fix things on your Express, but such is life.

A more complicated way to do this.....if you have Windows installed on your Mac.....would be to download AirPort Utility for Windows to administer the older Express and run the application that way.

Not recommended.....try to install an older version of AirPort Utility on a newer Mac using an unauthorized application available from the Internet. We can't provide any details on this, since the forum moderators will delete the info.

Another option......pat yourself on the back that your AirPort Express has lasted this long....(most fail after 4-5 years).....and treat yourself to a new AirPort Express.

Yes, A1084 was discontinued in 2007

Updating the firmware.....even if you have not already done this long ago.....will NOT allow the Express to be administered with Macs running newer operating systems. You will still need an old Mac or PC to be able to administer the A1084.

Post back if you can locate a Mac running OS 10.5.x or 10.6.x and we'll provide more details, or you have or can borrow a PC and the owner is willing to let you download and install AirPort Utility for Windows on the device.

If I was running OS 10.6, I would be OK

Correct, assuming that the Express is still operational. If you do have an A1084 or A1088 version, then it is remarkable that it will power up at all.

We previously asked what model that might have.

Is there any way to do a firmware update?

The last update was in 2006. Chances are, your Express already has it.

Post back if you can locate a Mac running OS 10.5.x or 10.6.x and we'll provide more details.

Apple do not have a firmware separate from the updater on those old versions.. from what I can see at least.

ie you must use old version of OS in order to update.

What version airport express is the one you cannot upgrade?

The firmware updater for those old express seems to be a complete software that does the whole job. You don't actually need the airport utility at all.. but of course you need a very ancient version of Mac OS or windows 2000 or xp sp2. pretty sure that is not going to run on Win 10.

The updater is from Jan 2006 and version 6.3

AirPort Express Firmware Update 6.3 for Mac OS X

Windows details

Post Date: Jan 3, 2006

File Size: 2.5MB

System Requirements

• Windows 2000 or later
• XP w/ Service Pack 2
• Wi-Fi certified 802.11b or 802.11g wireless card
• WPA2 support requires Microsoft update KB893357 and a wireless card that supports WPA2

By buying a new one that is compatible. It's incompatible because it's too old. Or, Update the firmware on your AirPort base station.

Which one?

AirPort Express 802.11g (1st Generation) – July 2004 – M9470LL/A, A108x

AirPort Express 802.11n (1st Generation) – March 2008 – MB321LL/A, A1264

AirPort Express 802.11n (2nd Generation) – June 2012 – MC414LL/A, A1392