Airport Express Wireless Network Suddenly Stops Working

Hi, I have a wireless network set up with a single airport express using WPA/WPA 2 Personal wireless security. The 5 daily clients on the network are 2 Mac laptops (Both Mac OS X.4), 2 PC's (1 Windows XP and 1 Windows Vista), and an iPhone.
Internet comes in from a Comcast connection directly into the airport express, which is set to create a wireless network and play music wirelessly using AirTunes. The Base station software is up to date, on Automatic Channel selection, and connecting to the internet using DHCP, automatic configuration and sharing a public IP address.
For some reason, every couple of weeks the airport network just stops working altogether. My Macbook Pro shows that it still has a connection with full signal to the network but has no internet connection. When I disconnect and try to reconnect, all attemps to reconnect fail. No other clients are able to get internet at this point, and I cannot even access airport settings from my Macbook Pro unless I manually reset the airport by unplugging and plugging it back in. With this reset the network starts to work again immediately and continues for several weeks again. Does anyone have any idea why it would have this random shut-off every few weeks? Thanks

I have a similiar problem. Every now and then, connecting to my Airport Express network results in "there was an error joining the airport network". It appears to me that this happens at random. Usually, the problem is solved by rebooting to Windows XP using Boot Camp, connecting to the network and then rebooting to OS X.
Recently, it's become worse: the problem persist but sometimes even rebooting to Windows doesn't solve it anymore. When I try to find out what's going on using the Airport Utility, the program tells me "airport utility was unable to find any airport base stations". The only thing that helps in this case is resetting/unplugging my Airport Express and reconfiguring it.
The problems occur independently from the type of security I'm using. It's very annoying and disappointing, since my current high-end MBP has this problem and my previous mac (an iBook) never had it.

Similar Messages

PCs suddenly no longer see Airport Express wireless network - please help!

Hi,
I am new to this forum and I need help. Two days ago - without me making any changes to settings etc. my Airport Express wireless network at home was no longer visible to any of my devices except to the Powerbook (G4 OS 10.3.9) which controls it. From one second to the next two Vista laptops and my cell phone (Nokia, Symbian OS).
My Powerbook has no problem connecting through AE to the internet. The two laptops are both able to connect to other wireless networks so they don't seem to be the problem. I just don't understand what caused this sudden drop-off/invisibility.
I have already tried the following: resetting the base station, changing the channel on the base station (from automatic) removing the network security altogether (from WPA2). But none of the devices except the powerbook can now see or detect my network.
Please - if anyone knows what the cause of this problem could be or how to fix I would be very grateful!!

you name it : com.apple.airport.adminutility.plist
delete it and do as advised.
This isn't harmful, because it is only a preference list, so it will be created brandnew as soon as you re-setup the Airport stuff.
Mac OS X ( especially Jaguar ) has a tendency to corrupt some plists out of the blue, it is more or less harmless and can be fixed with recreating them plus permissions-repair.
Hint : repair permissions more than one time, it ALWAYS finds something to fix in Jaguar.
You cannot destroy something with these actions, because it is Unix maintance so usual routines.
A tool like cocktail or Onyx ( google them, onyx is freeware ) can help you run such ( and more ) routines on a scheduled base.
Always remember that OS X is no longer "the Mac OS", it is Unix with a nice Desktop, the critical things run hidden in the background, so it has to be treated like any Unix/Linux sort of OS, even if from the outside everything looks nice and kosher..
Best wishes from Germany

Linking Dell Laptop to existing/working Airport Express wireless network

Hi,
I'm trying to connect a Dell Laptop (Inspiron 2500) running on Windows XP to an existing and functionning Airport Express wireless network set up for my girlfriend's iBook. It works perfectly for the iBook.
I have outfitted the Dell with a D-Link wireless G USB adapter and I see the network (i have the password) and it says I am connected to the network (even says connection is very good).
However, when I open the internet browser, nothing.
The network set up is: Cable to RCA Digital modem (model DCM425) to Airport Express (via ethernet) and to computer.
I have tried playing around with the Dell Laptop settings (IP, DSN, etc ...) and I have called everyone involved (including Apple) to no avail.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Nick
Dell Laptop Windows XP iBook

Thanks for the reply.
WEP is enabled. As far as the encryption, I'm not sure. I believe that it's 64-bit, as the password for the network is a five-letter word.
The funny thing, though, is that I had been using an IP address which I found on my girlfriend's Ibook, which allowed me to connect to her AEBS network, although the internet browser showed no connection.
Following directions from somebody else, I removed the IP address to enable DHCP, and then I was able to connect to other networks in the area (and the browser also connected to the internet) but I couldn't get onto her network anymore. Even with the password ...
Any ideas?
If i'm supposed to upgrade to 128-bit, how should I go about doing that?
Thanks again for the reply.
What encryption are you using?
Do you have WEP enabled?
The problem you are having probably lies with the
encryption key.
ccessing a Airport Network with a Windows XP PC or
laptop (with XP SP2)
http://www.ifelix.co.uk/tech/1011.html
Accessing a Airport Network with a Windows XP PC or
laptop (with XP SP1)
http://www.ifelix.co.uk/tech/1010.html
iFelix

HELP ibook g3 OSX 10.2.8 no longer detects airport express wireless network

my ibook G3 OSX 10.2.8, airport admin utility software 3.1.1 no longer can detect the airport express wireless network (powerbook G4, OSX 10.4.11, airport admin utility 4.2; airport express, WEP protected, to DSL modem). i just installed an ipod driver update on the ibook, and wireless networking went down on restart. any help greatly appreciated!

you name it : com.apple.airport.adminutility.plist
delete it and do as advised.
This isn't harmful, because it is only a preference list, so it will be created brandnew as soon as you re-setup the Airport stuff.
Mac OS X ( especially Jaguar ) has a tendency to corrupt some plists out of the blue, it is more or less harmless and can be fixed with recreating them plus permissions-repair.
Hint : repair permissions more than one time, it ALWAYS finds something to fix in Jaguar.
You cannot destroy something with these actions, because it is Unix maintance so usual routines.
A tool like cocktail or Onyx ( google them, onyx is freeware ) can help you run such ( and more ) routines on a scheduled base.
Always remember that OS X is no longer "the Mac OS", it is Unix with a nice Desktop, the critical things run hidden in the background, so it has to be treated like any Unix/Linux sort of OS, even if from the outside everything looks nice and kosher..
Best wishes from Germany

Wireless keyboard suddenly stopped working - changed batteries still did not help

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I have an Envy 20 all in one touchscreen with a wireless keyboard which has been absolutley fantastic until now. The wireless keyboard suddenly stopped working while composing an email. I replaced the batteries and checked them with a volt meter to ensure 1.5v. They are a name brand alkiline battery. I tried re-booting the computer and pressing the blue connect button under the keyboard. The only keys that seem to work are the volume up/down and mute; the rest of teh keyboard does not. Any idea? I like the factory keyboard so I am hoping it is not a faulty keyboard. After market keyboards will use a USB port.
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Thor
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hello @Thor66,
Welcome to the HP Forums, I hope you enjoy your experience! To help you get the most out of the HP Forums I would like to direct your attention to the HP Forums Guide First Time Here? Learn How to Post and More.
I understand that your wireless keyboard is not working and you are looking for assistance. I am providing you with an HP Support document: Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Troubleshooting, which will walk you through the troubleshooting process for your wireless keyboard.
Now if this does not work and you have to replace the keyboard do not fear you can replace the keyboard and the dongle without using another USB port as the one that is in can be replaced. I would be happy to assist you further and/or walk you through changing out the dongle from a new wireless keyboard, but first I would encourage you to post your product number for your computer. I am linking an HP Support document below that will show you how to find your product number. As well, if you could indicate which operating system you are using. And whether your operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit as with this and the product number I can provide you with accurate information.
How Do I Find My Model Number or Product Number?
Which Windows operating system am I running?
Is the Windows Version on My Computer 32-bit or 64-bit?
Please re-post with the requested information and I would be happy to provide you with assistance. Thank you for posting on the HP Forums. Have a great day!
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Airport Express USB printing suddenly not working

Hi, we have an airport express which doesn't seem to be working properly. We've had it at least 2 years now. All has been working fine but suddenly USB printing is not working on it. When I load up AirPort utility and go to the printers tab, it says "USB printers: None". It didn't use to say that! I've checked the printer - it works fine when printing direct from computer to printer over USB (hence both the printer and the USB lead are fine). We use the airport express for iTunes and it works fine. The airport is running version 6.3. We used to print (when it worked) from both Windows computers running XP and from macs running Snow Leopard...
Any thoughts?
Edward

Erm... help!
In a bid to try to sort out the problem myself, I decided to restore the Airport Express (b/g) to the factory default and see if that helped... I did this through the airport utility. The airport reset fine and I then went through the set-up wizard. However, when it then tried to restart as part of the setup process, it said that there was an error and that it could not restart. It said to restart the airport utility and try again. This I did but it cannot see the airport. If I rescan, it says the same thing (unable to find any apple wireless devices). What should I do?
All thoughts and suggestions gratefully received!
Edward

POWERMAC G5 can no longer access Airport Express wireless network

OK I've had a Airport extreme wireless network up and running for 3-years. Suddenly, my PowerMac G5 cannot connect. I know the network is OK because my Powerbook can connect to the network.
I've tried running the Airport utility and re-scanning with no luck. Also shut down the PowerMac and the Airport Extreme and then re-booted. No luck. The wireless strength meter in the upper right corner of screen goes from solid black to gray scale. Sometimes the network is listed, other times not. It never, however, will let me join the network.
Is it possible that the Airport card has failed??
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what does this have to do with windows?

Airport express wireless networks stop working. wired ports fine

Hi,
My AirPort Extreme has recently started this odd behavior.
For. Some reason, the wi-fi networks fail. The device cannot be detected by the management utility and powering cycling the device is the old way to recover. I have confirmed that the wired ports and internet connection are still working when the extreme enters into this state. (Odd, since my wired pc cannot find the device). So I assumed some firmware issue.
I was at at firmware 7.6.4. When this problem showed up. I downgraded to 7.6.3 and it still occurs.
From other threads:
Interference references- don't think so. We are in a remote location
Overheating- device does not feel unusually warm. It is mounted an a stud. Plenty of air flow around device
Any thoughts?
Thanks

I did find this work around for Airport Utilitiy 5.6, which has allowed me to reset both of my Airport Expressses and configure them from Mavericks. So far so good, but the base station named "Roving Airport Express" is still fussy, at least in the eyes of Airport Utility.
http://coreyjmahler.com/2013/10/24/airport-utility-5-6-1-on-os-x-10-9-mavericks/

Airport Express wireless network works fine, but won't connect to Internet

I had a power outage and since then my Airport Express doesn't connect to the Internet although everything else seems to work. I can see the AE just fine in the Airport Utility. My computer connects to the wireless network provided via the AE, so does my iPhone, so does my wireless printer, and I can print wirelessly from the computer to the printer, so the AE's wireless networking is working. If I directly connect my computer to the ethernet connection that I use for the AE, it connects to the Internet, so I have wired connectivity to the Internet. But somehow, I can't get to the Internet using the wireless network of the AE. Any suggestions on what I should try next?

Hi there,
Try to reset your Airport Express (AX), y pressing the little dot on the back of device. Keep pressed for some seconds until it flashes. Start then your Airport Utility and go through the setup process again. This will reset your whole wireless network. This may work for you. Good luck.

I'd like to alter my Airport Extreme/Airport Express wireless network so that the 3 Expresses connect to the Extreme via Ethernet. I've been told this will create a more stable wifi signal. How do I configure this using Airport Utility? Thanks.

I currently have an Airport Extreme Base Station connected to my DSL router by Ethernet. Because I have a long, sprawling home, I have 3 Airport Expresses configured to "Extend the Wireless Network" I've established. Because of my home environment--thick walls encompassaing wire mesh, sprawling rooms, etc., it is hard to maintain a continuously-strong, stable WiFi signal. I've been told that I can create a much more stable network by connecting the Express units to the AEBS via Ethernet cable. Since my home is already wired for Ethernet, I'm considering making this change. If I proceed to establish the Ethernet connections, how do I then set up Airport Utility to accomodate this switch from a Wireless-based WiFi network to an Ethernet-based WiFi network?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Phyllis

I don't see anyplace in the Utility to designate HOW the Express units are connected, only how they relate on the network to the Extreme,
As I mentioned in the previous post, when you click the Internet icon in AirPort Utility:
Connect Using = Ethernet (This tells each Express to connect to the Extreme using the ethernet connection)
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode) (This setting allows your AirPort Extreme to function as the "main" router on the network, as it must for the setup to work correctly.
You do not need to configure anything differently on the AirPort Extreme (as long as it is working correctly now) to connect the AirPort Express devices.
The only other question I have is the following: I'm currently already using one of the Ethernet ports on the back of the Extreme-- for my husband's iMac. I really don't think he gains much in performance over how the iMac would run through wifi, so I could disconnect the iMac. If you think the iMac would do better to stay on the Ethernet connection, should I use a switch/splitter to add an extra connection?
Since each AirPort Express must connect using ethernet, you will need to use the 3 LAN <-> ports on the AirPort Extreme for the AirPort Express devices.
I would suggest that you try connecting the iMac using wireless to see if that will work. If the wireless connection is not satisfactory, then you can add a 5 port ethernet switch to one of the LAN ports on the Extreme and then plug all the devices connecting using ethernet....the iMac and the 3 AirPort Express devices...into the remaining 4 ports on the switch. That will leave you with 2 open ports on the AirPort Extreme for any future devices that may need to connect.
When you test out the system, here is a trick to find out which device your computer is actually connecting to at any given time as it "roams" around the house.
When you have AirPort Utility open to configure each AirPort Express, jot down the AirPort ID for each Express. You can do the same for the AirPort Extreme.
As you move around with your laptop, hold down the option key on your Mac keyboard while you click on the fan shaped AirPort icon at the top of the screen. Look for the BSSID. That is the AirPort ID of the device that the laptop is connected to at that time. it should also be the ID of the closest AirPort Express (or AirPort Extreme if the laptop is close to the Extreme at the time).
Let us know how things are working when everything is up and running.

Xbox 360 does not connect to Airport Express wireless network

I'm at my wits ends. I got a my son a wireless adapter for Christmas and for the life of me cannot get it to work. We have looked at all the discussion forums on the internet and did A LOT of trial and error and still to connection. On one occasion the xbox 360 wireless adapter saw the network and once it tried to connect is dropped.
I have a Wii, two windows PC's, a printer and a PowerMac all connected to my wireless router. The xbox and the Airport Express both have the latest firm ware update.
These are some of the things I have noticed and tested:
1. Connection is Cable Modem>Vonage Router>Airport Express....wireless to Xbox360
2. I have taken the vonage router out to go
Cable Modem>Airport Express...wireless to Xbox360 and still no luck.
3. I was suspecting a double NAT and contacted Comcast to see if I could put the cable modem in bridge mode and they couldn't help me.
4. The network is open (no security)
5. The wireless adapter is a steady red...then when I tell it to find the network it drops out (LED turns off)
6. I have tried to see if I have a double NAT but tracing in the network utility does not show anything.
7. I have tried to place the Airport express in bridge mode and when I updated, it doesn't not come back up and I have to do a hard reset to communicate to it again.
8. There was one instance when the wireless adapter LED was green for about 15 secs and when we tried to connect it dropped out completely (no LED light).
9. I know it works because in the various forums I have read that people have it working.
I called xbox support and they were not very helpful...wouldn't even search similar cases...I have tried everything I could think of and I'm lost any assistance is appreciated.
Victor

Tesserax,
What is the make/model of the Comcast-provided modem? How about the Vonage router? Is this router also wireless? Finally, I assume that prior to introducing the AirPort Express Base Station (AX), the modem & Vonage router were working properly ... correct?
Thanks for your interest in helping me. To answer your questions:
1. The comcast make and model for the cable modem is Scientific American Model#DPX2203
2. The vonage router is ethernet hard wired connected between the cable modem and the apple express wireless route. The vonage router is model#VDV21-VD
3. With the exception of the wireless connection between the Xbox 360 and AX; everything works fine.
4. The AX is running Apple firm ware 6.3
In the discussion I have read of similar problems and have tried them all to no avail. I'm sure the is a fix to this problem because of people in the discussion groups have had the same issues. I don't suspect the wireless router because it has a steady red light and only turns off when we do the network test or scan for networks.
Victor

Airport Express light went out, stopped working.

Airport Express light went out. iMac says the connection is "excellent," but it's not working (I use it to stream audio) and is getting very warm. Did it die?

The usual cause of a dark LED is a failed AirPort Express. The reason your iMac reports an "excellent" connection is a mystery, but would be explained if it is actually connected to a different wireless network.
The only potential remedy is a "hard reset" (see below). In rare occasions, repetitive and persistent attempts have been known to revive an ailing Express. There isn't anything else you can do. A "factory defaults reset" is identical, but is performed by keeping its reset button depressed while connecting it to power. Try that also.
To "hard reset" an AirPort Base Station: make sure it's powered up, then gently press and hold its tiny reset button. Don't apply any more force than required to feel a tactile click. Keep it depressed for five to ten seconds, long enough for its LED to flash amber rapidly. Release the reset button. Then, the LED will glow amber steadily for about a minute. Then, it will flash amber, slowly, about once every second or two, waiting for you to configure it with AirPort Utility.

Need Help in Adding Win XP PC to my Airport Express wireless Network.

If you don't mind me asking, i've been having this same issue for months now... i'm trying to connect my sister's win xp pc wirelessly to my airport express downstairs that connects wirelessly to my new g4 ibook (and works flawlessly) with an airport express card pre-installed. i purchased a cheap wireless card with an antenna on the back for my sister's pc and it says a network bridge was established but it won't go online. any suggestions??
i've been having this issue for 3 + months and this forum has been of no help yet.
thanks
B

http://www.ifelix.co.uk/tech/windowsxp.html

Connect Asus Netbook (PC) to Mac Airport Express wireless network

I'm very happy with my PowerBook G4 but recently bought a Asus Netbook as a light weight travel option. Had problems connecting the Netbook to my home AirPort Express system - it's set up as a wireless connection to PowerBook G4.
The Netbook asked for the AirPort password, but then wouldn't accept it. The Apple phone support people tried to be helpful but thought that changing my Wireless Network password would help. It didn't.
Eventually I found a good article that explained the Netbook actually wanted the Mac/Airport WEP key, even though it asked for a 'password'. The article also explained where to find the WEP key on the Mac, and that I had to uncheck the box on the Netbook that says something like 'The key is provided via 802.1x authentication'.
Not sure if I'm allowed to post the address to that article, but will attempt to do so here:
htpp://www.macwindows.com/airportpc.html
Hope this helps someone else.

Hello MacNet2. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
PCs, like Macs, can access wireless networks that use a number of encryption standards: WEP, WPA, WPA2, 802.1x.
WEP is the oldest standard and is no longer considered secure. Your new Asus should support the newer WPA & WPA2 standards. Both are not only significantly more secure, but are also easy to work with when using mixed OS clients. Both the older 802.11b/g or newer 802.11n version of the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) support all of these standards.
Is there some reason that you wireless network is still using WEP?

Wireless router suddenly stops working, have to unplug to fix

I actually had a similar problem with an older Linksys router in the past, but it was wired. Basically, a port would stop working and I'd have to unplug the router and plug it back in to get the port to work again. Well, now with my WRT160N, wireless will just suddenly cut off. Wired computers still work fine, and don't even notice a difference, but every wireless computer suddenly disconnects and refuses to reconnect (this includes Vista, XP, and non-Windows devices like TiVo, PS3, etc.). All I have to do is unplug the router and plug it back in and everything happily reconnects and works great. No settings are being changed during any of this.
Another problem which may be related. I work from home and VPN (using the built-in Windows VPN client) to work. It will work great, but all of a sudden I get disconnected from VPN only, every other aspect of the network and Internet works fine, but VPN just completely dies on me. Unplug the router, plug it back in, and VPN has no more issues. No settings, or anything else, are changed at home or at work during this problem.
So what I'm wondering is if Linksys routers have some sort of internal counter and every now and then it rolls over to a negative, gets confused and just stops working, or are they just really sensitive to outside interference and somebody's cordless phone in the neighborhood is causing this problem.

Try reflashing the firmware. You can get latest firmware from www.linksys.com/download , also change radio band to wide and standard channel to 11

Airport Express Wireless Network Suddenly Stops Working

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