Another Airport Express problem thread

[the record spot]

Thought I'd jump at the Airport Express on a whim today, passing through John Lewis in Edinburgh, saw one sitting there and decided it was time to get one. Handy for printing as well as music, so I bought one, brought it home and hooked it up to the amp, loaded up the software and....flashing amber light!

It seems my problem lies in the WEP 128-bit key, however, we have WEP 64-bit. I know WPA is the way to go, but I'd just like to get the thing connected to try out. We're with O2 and they suggested adding a "$" (minus the quotes) ahead of the key, which we did. No luck. Held down the Wireless Options key and confirmed the UK as our country for the AE, still not luck. Everything else seems okay. Any suggestions anyone for getting round the 64/128-bit conundrum?

 

[John Duncan]

WEP is the work of the devil...

 

[professorhat]

Indeed. Is there no way of changing to WPA / WPA2? You could set the Airport to create its own network using WPA rather than joining your existing network and then connect to this new network. This will allow you to try it out and you can then look to a solution on the WEP / WPA front with your existing wireless network.

 

[John Duncan]

But quickly (just to rule something out), try putting inverted commas round the key instead of a dollar sign in front of it.

 

[the record spot]

Thanks guys; will try again tonight...! Rather frustrating though, although the fault isn't really the AE rather the security settings here. I'll reconfigure to WPA or WPA2 when I get back in this evening.

(Gripe, moan, etc!)

 

[the record spot]

Sorted out my wireless encryption, but now the airport software doesn't recognise the Airport Express!! GAAAAAHHH!!

I get a green light on the AE, but the software scans and just doesn't see it. I've screwed up somewhere, but not sure where/how/why/etc!

Anybody want to offer any help - there's a pint or two in this to the winning techy here!

 

[Anonymous]

Are you sure you're using the latest version of the AirPort Utility? If you've managed to set the AE to connect to (or extend) a wireless network you need to make sure the computer you're using to configure it is connected to that same network.

If you think you may have configured the AE incorrectly and that is why you can't see it, it might be an idea to restore the factory settings on the AE. To do this unplug the unit, hold down the reset button (on the underside, next to the ethernet and headphone ports) and plug the unit back in whilst keeping the reset button pressed. After that you should go back to the flashing amber light but it will be looking for salvation in you and the AirPort Utility software.

Stick with it, I have an AirPort Express (or three) in my home and they are fantastic once they're working!