Airport Extreme freezing when accessing ext HDD

My Airport Extreme keeps dropping the connections when I try to access files on the WD 3TB external HDD connected in the USB port.
I am able to connect to the internet at all times using either a newly purchased 2012 Mackbook Pro, iPad, iPhone or Windows 7 laptop. But when I try to access my files on the ext HDD, it works 1/10 of the time. I am able to access the drive and partitions, but when I select files, mostly movies (avi & mp4), it will more often then none freeze up and drop the network/internet connection. It will then indicate in the Airport utility that the Airport Extreme is no longer in range and there is no more internet until I disconnect the power from the Airport Extreme, wait a few seconds and reconnect the power. 3 minutes later the Airport Extreme is back on-line and Internet and network are restored. I have had to do this more then 8 times this morning alone.
The Airport Extreme is currently using firmware 7.6.1.
Saw many posts dating back to 2008 and have tried changing configs to recommendations, but nothing is working.
Not sure what to do to correct this, need help.

Lebruny,
Did you happen to find the cause of the freez up of you AE?.
I have mine connected to a WD 2TB, and when I heavily access the drive, I encounter the same problem you described.
Thanks,
Daddu

Similar Messages

Airport extreme freezes when updating MAC access list on WiFi. What can I do ?

Trying to add a new PC on the WiFi network, the control is via MAC addresses. I can enter the new MAC address, and description, but airport freezes when I try to update. The only way I can get back is unplug / replug airport, but then it is not updated with the new address.
Macpro on 10.7
Airport extreme 802.11n 1st gen (7.5.2 with airport utility 5.5.3)
Thanks

If you have not already done so, try temporarily connecting an Ethernet cable from your Mac to one of the LAN <-> ports on the AirPort Extreme. Then open AirPort Utility, make the changes you need and see if the AirPort Extreme will Update correctly. If it does, you can disconnect the Ethernet cable.
If still no luck, your next option is to perform a Factory Default Reset on the AirPort Exreme to clear out all the current settings and then reconfigure the device again.

Airport Extreme no longer recognizes external HDD

My Airport Extreme has suddenly stopped recognizing the external HDD I have attached to it. This happened about 2 weeks ago, and has been driving me absolutely insane since (I use this HDD to store all my music, and as such have not been able to listen while I work during this time). I've looked around and tried all the suggestions from other topics, but nothing is working.
• Airport Extreme is using Firmware 7.3.2 -- I did not want to update to 7.5.x, since I saw overall bad opinion about the latest firmware
• My MacBook Pro is using 10.6.7 -- I have all the latest updates from Software Update
• External HDD is a Western Digital 500 GB formatted in Mac OS Extended connect to the Airport Extreme via USB -- reformatting this HDD is not an option at this time
The Airport Extreme has had no trouble with the wireless connection, everything seems to be working for all computers on the network. I am able to successfully configure it using the Airport Utility. The moment I plug my external HDD into the Airport Extreme, I can no longer use the Airport Utility to configure. I receive this error message:
Make sure your AirPort wireless device is plugged in and in range of your computer or connected via Ethernet and try again. (-6753)
If I unplug my external HDD, the error message goes away and I am able to configure the Extreme again. In addition to the error message above, the external HDD does not show up in Network nor on the left side panel when opening a new Finder Window.
I have tried the following:
• I restored the Extreme to factory settings and then reconfigured it using my backup copy of the configuration file. The error persists.
• I have used Disk Utility to repair the external HDD and received no errors.
• I have plugged my laptop into the Extreme via Ethernet rather than a wireless connection. The error persists.
• I have used a different laptop (via wireless and Ethernet)-- a MacBook also running 10.6.7. It also cannot configure the Extreme nor see the external HDD when it is connnected to the Extreme.
I'm at wits end here, and I have no idea what else I can do. This problem happened suddenly and with no explanation, and no Snow Leopard updates have fixed it.
Do you all have any other suggestions?

JTelcontar wrote:
I just tried switching the HDD to another USB port on the hub, and am still having the same issue.
Hi,
Bob exaggerated a bit (or more); I'm not really a HD guru. I do help folks with Time Machine problems, and sometimes those are HD problems.
It is quite unusual. I'd suspect the hub, cable, or connections.
Try using the same port that your printer is working fine on (leave the printer disconnected).
Try disconnecting the hub and connecting the HD directly to the USB port. It may not recognize it if there isn't enough power, but see if the Airport goes berserk.
Try a different cable, or just swap ends. A plug that works fine in one port may not make good contact (or may short out) in another.

My airport extreme crashes thanks to Lacie HDD

Hi all,
I have a airport extreme (5g) with a Lacie HDD (2 years old) connected to it in my living room.
Now when i'm busy on my HDD, copying stuff or watching movies, my macbook tells me that teh connection with the HDD is interrupted.
When I got that messege, my WIFI fails to. When I have removed the powercable and put it back, it takes the airport extreme a few seconds to restart.
So what can I do, so the airport extreme wont crash?!?
greetz

The drive is formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled), correct?
Are you using a Mac computer?
The drive will not appear automatically on your desktop when you connect it to the AirPort Extreme.
How are you trying to mount the drive on your desktop when the drive is connected to the AirPort Extreme?
The USB port on the AirPort Extreme is under powered, so it is often necessary to use a powered USB hub when you attach a drive to this port....even if the drive has its own power supply.

Airport Extreme N problem accessing some websites

Hello,
I just installed an Airport Extreme N base station. When I go to the following website to access documentation, it hangs. When I put my old Dlink router back in place, I can get to the website and access the documentation just fine. I have no idea whats going on. Can some of the other Airport Extreme N users access the following symantec corp documentation site?
http://www.symantec.com/business/support/documentation.jsp?language=english&view =manuals&pid=15143
When you right click and try to save the .pdf files it just downloads a 0byte file. When you try to click on the .pdf to open it, it opens with nothing.
When I take the Airport Extreme out and hook my Dlink DI-624 router in, no problems opening the document or saving to my laptop.
Any help or insight would be appreciated!

No one seems to have an answer to this one yet - have you found anything? The thread below seems to be the same issue:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1845115
I'll keep working at a solution and will post if I can find one.

Safari still freezes when accessability voice over is on and blue tooth keyboard still doesnt work when accessability voice over is on, Help

Hi Apple,
iphone 5s latest updates , safari still freezes when accessability voice over is on and blue tooth keyboard still doesnt work when accessability voice over is on, Help

Hi,
If you are absolutely sure that neither the sound output of the Macbook nor the sound output of VoiceOver are muted then try to reset VoiceOver.
1. Open VoiceOver Preferences.
2. From the File menu choose "Reset All VoiceOver Preferences …".
3. Click "Reset.
4. Turn VoiceOver Off and On again. (hold command and press F5 twice).
If you still don't hear anything then it could be that the main sound output of the Macbook got muted somehow. I find that I often hit the mute button on my Apple wireless keyboard without noticing. So just make sure that its not muted and also hit the "Volume Up" a few times. Its so terribly obvious I know but its also very easy to miss. Lots of people do that.

Firefox randomly freezes when accessing bookmarks

Firefox randomly (about 1 in 50 times) will freeze when accessing folder located on the Bookmarks Toolbar. The folder will expand as blank without any bookmarks in it and then FF will stop responding. I've reinstalled FF, deleted appdata/programdata FF folders, created new profile. The issue remained.

Hi dry4ng,
I am sorry to hear that sometimes that when opening folders that they open blank and it causes Firefox to start to hang.
When you tried a new profile and a new folder, how did you create the folder, and is it the same folder giving issues?
Over how many bookmarks are you talking? and is there anything distinctive about the folder? size, depth, type of links etc?

Can I use the Ethernet Port for a computer when it is also used as a wireless network with an Airport Extreme as the access point for the wireless network

Can I use the Ethernet Port of the A1264 Airport Express to connect to the Ethernet port of a computer that does not have wireless capability when the Airport Express is also used on a wireless network with an Airport Extreme 5th generation as the access point for the network?
I have AE 5th gen
looking to buy (from ebay) the AEX A1264
Various computers, printers and hubs for the network
Is this possible to do?

Bob, Thanks for the info. I have read different articles that said yes, but I wanted to make sure before I commit to buy. I have an older A1084 which I could not use the Ethernet port. I know at one point I was able to when I was on 10.4. Now that I am on an Intel processor and 10.8 I am going to have to upgrade some of my Apple wireless hardware.
Thanks Again.

How do I Setup USB HDD on Airport EXTREME TIME CAPSULE? USB HDD Not showing up

How can I get the HDD to work with my airport extreme? Does it need formatted a specific way for mac? Are there certain hdd types that work best with the I have a WD usb hard drive which doesn't show up when connected to airport extreme. I'm trying to setup time capsule, but Having no luck. I'm new to the Imac.
Message was edited by: clower80

A couple of pointers.
The hard drive must be specifically formatted in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) to work with the AirPort Extreme's USB port. Check the documentation that came with the drive to find out how it is formatted at the present time.....it is likely formatted to work with Windows, which is not compatible with the AirPort Extreme.
Unfortunately, even if the drive is formatted correctly, Apple does not officially support Time Machine backups to a drive at the USB port of the AirPort Extreme, so that will be the next hurdle to deal with.
Some users actually do seem to be able to make this work, but overall, it is not a reliable method to backup your data if it is important to you.

Airport Extreme USB Disk Access

Airport Extreme 5th Generation with a 2TB SATA drive in a powered enclosure attached via USB.
When attaching the drive/enclosure to my 2011 MBP, I can read/write to it without issues. The drive is formatted as a single NFS+ partition.
When I attach it to the Extreme via USB and then launch the Airport Utility (5.5.3) and click Manual Setup, it times out trying to retrieving the configuration settings.
The Extreme's light is green throughout this process, unless I unplug/replug the router. When it comes back up the light is flashing yellow and Airport says to connect the drive to a computer to repair it. Doing so yields the drive works fine.
If I unplug the drive from USB and re-try the Airport utility, I can immediately access the Manual Setup feature, even without rebooting the Extreme.
I've also tried the 'Configure Other' option in Airport and typing the address manually, but that does not work.
Ive read many threads similar to this, but none exactly like it and none with a definitive solution.
Thoughts/suggestions? Any other information I can provide about setup or what Im seeing?
Thanks everyone.
.sal

Assuming that you have in fact set up your AEBS correctly and that AirPort disk is enabled, you should be able to connect to it several ways. The simplest way is to launch the AirPort Disk Utility and tell it to auto-mount the drive whenever you are connected to your AEBS. If you are like me, however, and don't like to have your external hard drive mounted all the time, then you can manually mount it by navigating to "Network" in the Finder, selecting your base station, and clicking the "Connect" button. You should then be presented with a list of the hard drives connected to your AEBS which you can select from and mount.

Airport Extreme Freezes After Soft Reset

Hi Everyone,
I'm having an issue with the 7.5.2 firmware update for my Airport Extreme. We have several devices which use DHCP reservations and after updating to 7.5.2 I went in to change some of the IPs and other settings (using AirPort Utility). After making the changes I pressed update and the Airport started the reset, but the light just stays amber and I have no connectivity. I end up having to pull the plug and do a hard reset. After a hard reset, when I check the Airport, none of my changes went into effect.
I have tried many times with different settings and it always does the same thing whenever I try to update the changes; it hangs during the soft reset without saving any changes. When I downgrade the firmware to 7.4.2, however, everything works perfectly.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

I too have run into the same problem as ‘controls.freq’ although sometimes the light just stays amber (like controls.freq’s documented post) and other times it stays solid green after clicking "Update." No matter, the result is the same -- I have to perform a hard reset (pull the plug) of the Airport Extreme and none of my changes have been made. I not only run into this when trying to add static DHCP addresses (like controls.freq), but also when trying to add MAC addresses to timed access control lists, or (when playing around) trying to change my wireless network name .... honestly, it probably fails for many other changes too.
So I tried what Bob suggested -- but no luck. A lot of effort but no reward. I tried loading 7.4 firmware (tried both 7.4.2 and 7.4.1 which ran more reliably in my environment) and then doing the factory reset, then upgrading to 7.5.2 and setting everything up. But after maybe one successful save of settings, all subsequent saves failed as described earlier. Then I tried a factory reset while running 7.5.2 and ran into the same problem after maybe the first successful save.
The only reliable workaround is to DOWNGRADE to 7.4.x, make the necessary changes, and then upgrade again to 7.5.2. I must say ... if there were some way I could get the system to stop offering new code reliably (that doesn’t even work even when I tell it I don’t want to check for updates), then I’d just stay with 7.4.1 throughout the environment with success.

How to configure iMac and Airport Extreme for remote access?

I want to view videos stored in iTunes on my iMac remotely over the Internet when I away from my home network. My home network setup includes AirPort Extreme with Comcast High Speed Internet Service (16Mbs/6Mbps). I use AirPlayit to support the iMac as a server and have the iPad 3 and iPhone 4 apps for AirPlayit. I have no problem viewing my videos over my home network on any of my mobile devices but for some reason I am unable to configure my firewall so that I can access my iMac remotely when I am away.

Turning off the wireless on the TP-Link router does not make it a simple modem.
You need to configure the AirPort Extreme in Bridge Mode to operate correctly with another router on the network.
Open AirPort Utility and click on the AirPort Extreme icon, then click Edit
Click the Network tab a the top of the window
Make sure that the setting for Router Mode is "Off (Bridge Mode)"
Click Update to save the new settings
Wait 30 seconds for a green light on the AirPort Extreme, then power off the complete network....all devices....in any order you want.
Wait a minute, then start the TP-Link modem/router first and let it run a full minute
Start the AirPort Extreme next the same way
Keep starting devices one at at a time the same way until the entire network is back up.

Airport Extreme crashes when transferring files in iTunes

Hi guys!
I'm running itunes library off an airdisk for one of my computers, it works fine when i play music from it but it crashes my airport extreme every time i try to edit or add music into the library. it will just say that i'm disconnected from that drive after itunes hangs for about 5 minutes and my network (internet, home network, airdisk) will stop working until i restart my router.
i've had similar set up before with a G5 and never had an issue, but that was on ethernet, my new setup is through wifi. I've read that there was an issue when transferring large files from computer to airdisk over wifi, but i didn't see the issue in finder, this only happens in itunes.
i have itunes 10.0.0.1 and the lasted firmware for airport extreme. I've tried simply dragging the files into my itunes and even tried using home sharing to transfer songs from another computer with a local itunes library, both crash the router. I ended up dragging one album at a time (about 10 songs at a time), it works for the first few transfers, but eventually locks up after awhile.
Did a bit of research, some say it's might be some kind of channel interference, did a little istumbler and it only showed very little noise so i'm not sure that's the case. is anyone else experiencing this? thanks in advance!

The fixed IP address solved the problems I was having with Time Machine and I did verify that the problem was not Time Machine but any disk access, however yes, it is possible that iTunes is having a problem dealing with a networked disk. I don't think it's the way that Apple really intended it to work, with the iTunes library on a networked disk, however you might be able to come up with some work arounds to make it work. Here's some suggestions if the fixed IP does not solve the problem:
Copy files you want to import to the drive first using the Finder. Put the files in the folder where all your music is automatically sorted if you have "copy to iTunes folder" and "organize iTunes folder" selected in preferences. What you should have now is all the artist named folders and then the new music all listed in this directory. Sort the window in list view so all the music and the folders are separated to make it easier to select the music. Now drag the music into iTunes. If it's in this folder, the files should not be copied into iTunes. They should just get linked to and then moved into their proper folders. It would also help diagnosing the problem if you could find out whether copying the same files using the Finder did work, so you would be looking for a work-around and also further diagnosing exactly what the problem is.
If you have an external USB drive, you could use that instead and plug it into the Time Capsule for access, but into the computer just when you need to manage/add to the media on the drive.
Another problem you are likely to come across is if you attempt to play back video content, especially HD content. I don't think iTunes expects the media to be on a network drive and therefore does not buffer sufficiently to play the content smoothly like it does if you were streaming the media to an AppleTV, for example.

Airport extreme freeze

Our school has 17 airport extreme base stations on our LAN. Two or three stations will occasionally freeze so they cannot be scanned with airport admin utility, and they stop working. They are not always the same stations that fail. Today we had all 17 fail at the same time, which has never happened before.
To fix the problem we do a power reset on the base station, then it will show up in the utility and start working again. We sometimes go for 2-3 weeks with no failures. Any ideas?

We had the same problem at work. The base stations still freeze up from time to time, after downgrading to 5.5.1, but not as frequent as with 5.7.
I can not believe this still is not fixed. I really hope Apple will fix this soon, even though the AirPort Extreme has been upgraded to a new model. It seems to only be a problem with roaming base stations. I do not have any freezing problems with my own private AirPort Extreme at home, but I only have one there.
Does anybody know if the newest AirPort Extreme has trouble with freezing (especially when set up for roaming)?

Airport Extreme used as access point. External disk does not show up in Finder

The title pretty much sums it up. I'm using my Airport as just an access point. I connected an external disk to it. The disk shows up in the Airport Utility, however I cannot connect to it because my Airport has never shown up in Finder. I went to preferences and checked Connected Servers, still no go. Any advice?

A few things to check:
The drive must be formatted in Mac OS Extended (Journaled), or FAT32
Since the USB port on the AirPort Extreme is under powered, you almost always have to use a powered USB hub when connecting a hard drive, even if the hard drive has its own power supply
When locating the disk on your Mac, open Macintosh HD or the Finder and look for the AirPort Extreme icon under the SHARED heading on the left side of the window.
Click on the AirPort Extreme icon and a folder will appear to the right representing your drive
Double click the folder to mount the drive on the desktop

Airport Extreme freezing when accessing ext HDD

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for