Can't get Airport to join a network

Hi, all -
I have a G5 PowerPC running the latest and greatest. I connect to the Internet via a 2Wire modem. My G5 is connected via Ethernet. All is OK, except...
...when I try to join my modem's network, I get either a bad password or timeout message. Any ideas? This is inhibiting my ability to configure and use my Airport Express, among other things.
I suppose that I could have a problematic prefs file somewhere. Can anyone tell me which files I could delete to fix this?
Thanks...

+I'm essentially trying to create an internet connection point in a different room by wirelessly connecting the Airport to my Qwest modem.+
Thanks for the clarification, but as I mentioned, the Airport Extreme cannot perform this function because the ethernet ports on the Extreme are not enabled when you configure it to join another network. It's unfortunate that Apple includes this option in the setup utility, because it's non-functional with the AirPort Extreme.
Ironically, the less expensive AirPort Express "n" version can "join a wireless network" and you do have the option to enable the ethernet port in this configuration. But neither the AirPort Extreme or the Time Capsule (which is an AirPort Extreme with a built in hard drive) allow this type of functionality.
Bottom line, the AirPort Extreme won't do what you want unless you can connect it to your Qwest modem/router using using an ethernet cable, or if it's not possible to run an ethernet cable, you might look at a pair of ethernet powerline adapters. In fact, if your goal is to only provide an ethernet connection to the DirectTV DVR, you don't even need the AirPort Extreme to do this unless you want it to perform other routing functions.

Similar Messages

Can't get Airport Express to restart after configuring

I can't believe how finicky the new Airport Express is (most recent.) I had successfully configured it to extend my Airport Extreme network wirelessly, but
because of lots of interference in my old house (wire lath in plaster walls,) I can't get it to extend my network very far wirelessly.
So I am now trying to extend it via ethernet. I plugged it into an ethernet cable which is plugged into one of the available ports on the Airport Extreme. Airport Utility recognized it, and I configured it to extend my regular network via ethernet cable. AU said I was successful and was restarting it. Unfortunately restart failed.
I reopened AU, but it couldn't see the Express. Unplugged the Express for 5 minutes and did a hard reset, holding it in for 10 sec after Express was plugged in.
Opened AU again. AU still can't see the Express.
Do I have to configure the Express to do what I want while it is plugged directly into my cable modem? I am reluctant to do this because it screws up my Airport Extreme connectivity evey time I do this.

Thanks for clarifying that for me.
In order to do what you want, you will need to know the name of the wireless network that the Extreme is producing, along with the password and exact type of wireless security that that the network using. I assume that you know the name of the wireless network and password.
If you need to find out exactly what type of security that the Extreme network is using, you will need to open AirPort Utility and click Manual Setup. Then click the Wireless tab below the row of icons to reveal the wireless settings page. Jot down the setting that you see for Wireless Security because you will need this to configure the AirPort Express.
Check to make sure that the Ethernet cable that will connect the Express to the Extreme is connected to one of the LAN <-> ports on the AirPort Extreme.
Keep your computer near the AirPort Extreme. Restart the AirPort Express (AX) that is plugged into the Ethernet cable and allow 40-45 seconds for it to restart.
Open AirPort Utility, select the AX, and click Manual Setup.
Click the Base Station tab to assign a name to the AX, device password and adjust Time Zone settings.
Click the Wireless tab and adjust your settings to look like this:
Wireless Mode = Create a wireless network
Wireless Network Name = Same name as the AirPort Extreme network
Enter a check mark next to Allow this network to be extended
Radio Mode = Automatic or 802.11n (802.11 b/g compatible) is a good choice
Channel = Automatic
Wireless Security = Exact same setting that the AirPort Extreme is using
Wireless Password = Same password as the AirPort Extreme network
Confirm Password
Click the Internet icon
Click the Internet Connection tab
Connect Using = Ethernet
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
Update to save settings. Close AirPort Utility as soon as you see the message that the settings have been stored. You should have a green light on the AX in 40-45 seconds
Very important.....Power cycle the entire network
Power everything down....all devices.....order is not important
Wait a few minutes
Start the modem first and let it run a minute or two
Start the next device connected to the modem the same way
Keep starting devices one at a time about a minute apart until everything is powered back up
You should be all set

New router now can't get airport express to work

Att installed a new wireless router.
Everything else seems to be fine but can't get airport Express to communicate with My MAC. Green light on airport device. Just downloaded OX on Mac recently.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Reset the Express to factory and start over.. this is always required when you make major network changes.

HT201699 My carrier is Straight Talk (using ATT network) and they require the user to enter the APN settings in order to access their data network. My Iphone 4s is factory unlocked but I can not get to the Cellular Data Network tab to enter the settings?

My carrier is Straight Talk (using ATT network) and they require the user to enter the APN settings in order to access their data network. My Iphone 4s is factory unlocked but I can not get to the Cellular Data Network tab to enter the settings?

Yes ATT hides the APN settings so when you try to use a st sim it automatically reads on AT&T network so the APN settings are hidden and cannot be accessed however you can go to apn.straighttalk.com on you'r phone and select APN/data settings then select AT&T then iPhone and a screen will pop up asking if you would like to install the profile for whatever reason it's not verified but works fine. You can also go to www.unlockit.co.nz and set up a straight talk APN profile that is verified not sure exactly what that means but both work to get the data working on the phone for straight talk but it does not make the MMS work. There are a couple other methods I have read about one is on howardforums using ibackupbot to manually change the files on the phone I haven't been able to get mine to stick using that method but other people have and there is a sim swap method to trick the phone to reveal APN settings using a tmobile sim I have not tried this but other people have with success. The last two methods mentioned will make both data and MMS work

Can't connect Airport Express wirelessly to network so that AirTunes and internet are available simultaneously

I can't connect Airport Express wirelessly to network so that AirTunes and internet are available simultaneously. My old AE allowed this but can't make the new one work that way.

In your instructions, you say to use the same encryption type as the router has set up. well, I am using the WEP 64 bit encryption and the Airport Utility does not have this...it has 40 bit. Is this a problem, or do I have to be using a the same type of encrytion ?
WEP is available in either 40 or 104-bit, but is usually "advertised" as either 64- or 128-bit respectively. For example, 64-bit WEP uses a 40 bit key (also known as WEP-40), which is concatenated with a 24-bit initialization vector (IV) to form the 64-bit RC4 traffic key. So, WEP 64 on the Linksys & 40-bit is equivalent.
What concerns me more is the loss of bandwidth performance you are experiencing when connecting the AX. When the AX is configured as a wireless client it is acting just like any other wireless devices (computer, laptop, printer, etc.) and not like another router. This should cause little or no bandwidth loss. True the more secure the wireless encryption used WPA2 vs. WEP, the more overhead is required for security, but the differences you are seeing seem excessive.
It is very possible that you may have some form of Wi-Fi interference in the immediate area that is preventing your Linksys from providing a good clean signal.
I suggest you perform a simple site survey, using utilities like the following to determine potential areas of interference, and then, try to either eliminate or significantly reduce them where possible:
For Macs:
o MacStumbler
o iStumbler, or
For PCs:
o NetStumbler

I can't get airport extreme to work with iPad

I can't get airport extreme to work with iPad

Ok, thanks for clarifying that for me. We have two distinctly different printing problems. Let's try tackling them one at a time if you don't mind.
In order for the iPad to print to a printer it would either have to be AirPrint-enabled or you would need another solution, like PrintCentral for iPad or Printopia. Unfortunately, I don't believe your Canon printer is AirPrint-enabled. There aren't many printers on the market that currently are. All of them, that I am aware of, are HP devices.
Now for the PC. I would go with what you have already suggested and that is try disabling either the Windows or third-party software firewall. Which version of Windows is it running? Just in case it's XP, here are two excellent iFelix articles on how to do so with or without using Bonjour.

How can I get airport to automatically connect to a network again?

Dear helpful ones,
I connect to the internet and a printer via a wireless router. Previously airport automatically logged in to my network. Recently, I had to reset my router and modem. Since then, airport doesn't automatically log in. I need to manually select my network from the airport menu to join after every time the computer sleeps or is shut down. The password is still in the keychain. I didn't think any of my computer setting had changed or needed to...
If anyone can offer a suggestion as to how to get airport to once again automatically log in to my wireless network, this would be most appreciated.
Yours, Jeremy

There's quite a common problem with OS X and getting it to auto-connect, although there are fairly obvious simple ways to solve it they didn't always work, the procedure below is long winded but does have a fairly high success rate.
1. Move "System Preferences.app" to "Applications\"
2. Delete all preferred networks in Network Preferences
3. Delete all Airport password in Keychain Access
4. Restart
5. Choose network from drop-down menu and enter password
6. Restart

Can't get Airport Express back onto my wireless network???

Just returned from a trip where I had successfully used my AE in temp accommodation. Now I can't get the thing to rejoin my home network. I've reset it time after time, I go through Airport Setup Asst and get to the bit where it says it's updating the AE, congratulates me on setting it up - but the thing never rejoins and all I get is the amber blinking light. Once this happens it disappears off the network until I again, reset to factory settings.
I have tried entering WEP equiv passwords as well as the ASCII but am not sure which one to use now - totally confused. I have another AE on the network which is working fine. I must be missing something unless the thing has gone u.s?
Any ideas would be gratefully received.
Cheers
Chris
iMacs, Intel 20 inch 2.0 with 1.5 gig ram Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Hi Dan
I have posted a new topic on this because I feel strongly about it.
Here's a copy and paste of what I said:
"I have spent literally the equivalent of 3 full days, configuring, reconfiguring, re-installing, setting up, un-setting up, scouring the internet, phoning people, taking trips to the Apple Store to find a solution. All a total waste of time. Why? Because until there is an update to cure the problem, the Airport Extreme BS will not function properly when used in an environment other than a basic setup.
My network at home consists of 3 XP PC's, two Airport Expresses, and 5 Macs of various models. Until I removed an Express to use it on a trip, all of it worked well. When I came to return said Express into 'the fold' - that's when the trouble started. Mainly that, unless I had security switched to NONE, I couldn't connect the Expresses to the Base station, and my HP PSC2510 wireless printer would not connect either.
If you are anything like me, you will have been through every single combination of setups, restarts, reinstalls you name it. I got conflicting info about the level of security from the Admin utility - sometimes it would report WPA, others it would say WEP.
Cut a long story short, I finally returned the BASE Staion to the Apple Store and got a replacement. I had narrowed it down to that component only. Everything else on the network "seemed" to be fine.
I wondered whether it was a solitary, faulty AEBS, and by replacing that, it would eliminate the problem. In theory.
Brought home new AEBS but this unit also suffered collossally unreliable/unsuccessful connections from Printer, Expresses and one XP laptop.
I have been to the Moon and back with Hewlett Packard trying to work out what could have happened - overnight - to this normally fail-safe wireless printer. No clues, all seemed to be set up correctly. But it WOULD NOT JOIN THE NETWORK!!!.
So, as any mad (as in angry) scientist would do, I set up a "Control" experiment. Keeping everything as it was, all I changed was the AEBS. I swopped the AEBS for my older white AEBS (flying saucer). Guess what?
Within seconds, all connected. Including printer, Expresses, and XP PCs.
All working perfectly. Wrote down all the settings to check exactly the same as on the new (n) AEBS - identical. Swopped back - same problems. No way would it work.
I am no Network expert but have a feeling that it has a problem managing/distributing/assigning IP addresses. Dunno, just a hunch because the printer would connect fine when connected to AEBS by ethernet cable.
So I am now going to return the new AEBS to Apple and get a refund. I don't have time for this and I suggest not many people do.
So if you have a problem like I did, it might be an idea to try another router or eliminate it somehow and check your settings.
I hope this helps.
EDIT:
Looking again through a lot of posts on here - I would estimate that they are pretty much linked to the same problem - a few are reporting problems after connecting to different ISP then not being able to get it working again, some saying they can't get a single solitary PB to connect but al the others do. It all rings bells here! I am sure it's an IP problem (but what do I know) I would love someone to see into this. I doubt whether Apple will come up with something before Christmas - let's hope they prove me wrong eh?
Anyone know of a good, reliable wireless router that also allows external HD sharing?
Cheers!
Chris"

Can my airport express join my network via Belkin Router?

What's up everyone?
I have a question regarding my apple airport express. Is there any way to get this my airport express to join my belkin network? My current network is being run by my Belkin N Wireless Modem-Router(model# F5D8633au4A)and i can't seem to get my airport to join it properly. Everytime i try to install it, it seems to mess with the signal my laptop gets and the AEX doesn't even connect to the network. The best i've gotten is it shows up on itunes, but i can't select the remote speakers.
For now, i just want my AEX to be able to join wirelessly so i can use airtunes, but would it also be possible to set it up so that i can plug my xbox into it so it can go online?
Anyone have any experience setting up the AEX with a belkin router?

Hi:
I do not have a Belkin router, but have basically the same problem using a Linksys 54G 802.11n router.
I can setup my HP laptop/printer/router as a wirelss network, but cannot get my AE to join that network as a client, wirelessly. IF, I have an Ethernet cable connected from the router to the AE, I can configure the AE, get the solid green LED on it, etc., and play music out of external speakers, but all falls apart whn I disconnect the Ethernet cable from the router to the AE, even though Airport Utility has things setup as a wireless connection.
Have you tried setting up an Apple ad-hoc network from the PC/laptop to the AE and speakers ? See if you can do that. If so, you can play music wirelessly thru the AE/speakers from iTunes (the LED will be a flashing Amber). The trick is that you have to wait about 1-2 minutes duing the config in order for the AE to establish the connection where it (the ad-hoc network) shows up in your system tray network list, when the icon is clicked. The Appel ad-hoc network will have a name like Apple XXXXXX, where the XXXXXX are 6 (of the 12) digits from the AE's MAC address (listed on its label).
If this works, my guess is that the AE is OK, and the problem is getting your AE to join your already existing Belkin network (in my case, LinkSys network).
I was at one of "Apple Genius Bars" last night probing this problem, and they feel that this is most likely a compatability problem between the AE and non-apple routers...though I do not feel that there should be a problem, or they shouldn't be selling the product claiming that it works with non-apple products.
The guys at Apple suggested that I call Apple for Tech Support at:
1-800-APL-CARE (1-800-275-2273)
There shouldn't be a charge, though the guys at the Genius Bar said that if they try to charge, to raise a big stink over the phone since the
Apple product is not working as claimed !
Another issue: What level of encryption are you using with your router ?
WEP-64, WEP-128, WPA, WPA2 ???
This greatly affects how easy (or hard) it is to add the AE to your existing network. From what I have learned, the lower the level of encryption, the harder it is to add the AE to the network, since it is an older, less-capatible standard.
Let me know if you find any answers...
DaleB

Can't get Express to join established Extreme network

My Extreme base works fine connected via ethernet to an eMac without an AirPort card. My roaming MacBook finds the network, and everything is just swell. Both computers are running 10.4.10. THE PROBLEM OCCURS when I try to set up a wireless delivery system with an Express. I want to extend the reach of my network and use the Express to play my iTunes library on the eMac.
Naturally, I can't set up the Express with the eMac, since the eMac lacks the card. So I use the AirPort Utility on the MacBook. After I reset the Express, the Utility sees both the Extreme and the Express. I proceed to configure the Express, following the steps in the Utility, and it tells me I've done it correctly--though curiously, the Express icon vanishes at the end of the process.
Then things get worse. Both bases have green lights. But the network falls apart. Even though my Internet Connection on my MacBook says I'm on the network, I can't get online ("server not found" error message). And now the AirPort Utility on my MacBook doesn't see the Extreme, only the Express. After quitting the Utility and restarting it--both bases still have green lights--I then can see NEITHER base. (Finally unplugged the Express and reconfigured the Extreme with the AirPort Utility on the eMac to get things back to normal.)
Sorry that was so long. Wanted to be as detailed as possible. Any suggestions?

Wide,
I have a very similar problem as well. I set up a WDS using my Extreme (N) and an Express in a similar fashion to what you are describing. When my iMac (10.4.10) is in the vicinity of the Extreme, it connects without difficulty. The problem arises when I attempt to connect the same iMac using the extended network Express. The iMac sees the network, has a good signal, but cannot connect to the internet. Again, both the Extreme and Express have a green light and are configured properly for a WDS.
Very frustrating,
Jerol

Can't get Airport Express to connect to my network

I have a netgear wireless router, and the when I plug in the aiport express, it just blinks yellow. When I run the Airport express assistant, it gives me a warning that windows is not managing my wireless network. This is very frustrating!! What can I do?

I'm sorry you are having problems. When I cabled directly to the Express from my computer and ran the assistant it worked perfectly. After disconnecting the calbe, it connected wirelessly to my existing network. I am running an Aiport Extreme for my base station, I don't know if that makes a difference. When you run the assistant do you select "Join existing network"? There is a great post on here somewhere with other instructions on setting up the Express a different way. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Can't get airport to connet to wireless network at school?

Like many of you - I have a brand new Mac Book and purchased it for the purpose of using it at school. But I can't get connected to thier network - I have the user name and password and am entering them correctly, but when I go to connect the window closes it just says Authenticating over and over for like 3 minutes at the top of my screen then nothing happens. No error message, no connection, nothing...
I updated to 10.4.7 - and I am trying to connect to a Closed WPA2 Enterprise network and am using the connect option under the airport menu "other" according to my student connect kit after I loggon I should see a window that asks for 802.1X Authentication and I should then click "Show Certificate" check the "Trust Certificate" box then continue - I should then be able to open my internet browser where I will be directed to Cisco Clean Access logon (I have not made it that far as nothing happens after I try to connect).
Why? I thought this was supposed to be easy. Please help if you can.

hmm... ive had almost the same problem.. the router wont give an IP adress to my macbook so what i did was I entered the infrmation manually. try it it might work for you.. Clink apple>system preferences>network then click the airport.. then set it manually.. for the IP address, it usually starts with 192.168.1.100 so u can try 192.168.1.105, subnet mask set to 255.255.255.0, router to 192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1 or if not.. ask the routers brand and check it at the www.portforward.com for its default gateway.... then u can connect to its router by entering 192.168.1.1 or the 10.0.0.1 on the adress bar of safari then try to find the DNS SERVERS on your own... then put it in the dns server column.. it usually it comes in three... dns1, dns2 and dns3.. just put the dns server 1 and then press enter to put dns2 then hit enter agan then put dns3... then ur connected to the internet... hope this helps...

Can't Get Airport Express to Connect to my D-Link DIR-655?

Here's what I did - I should point out all I wanted to do was connect my PC based iTunes upstairs with my stereo system downstairs. First I tried to have the Airport Express join the d-link wireless network. It joined but playback was choppy and I could not get it to work. Next I tried my solution for the Xbox Live issues we've had, which is to go with a NetGear home wiring etherenet, and try to get it on that, but the network never saw the Airport Express. Last, I simply set up the Airport Express as a second wireless (but only "local") network in the house, and so far it works like a charm - no choppy plyback, and I use my iTouch with the Remote app to control iTunes from anywhere in the house. So perseverance won out. However, it really was a bummer that the other solutions did not work, and proved once again to me the "glitchiness" of Apple products.

I'm sorry you are having problems. When I cabled directly to the Express from my computer and ran the assistant it worked perfectly. After disconnecting the calbe, it connected wirelessly to my existing network. I am running an Aiport Extreme for my base station, I don't know if that makes a difference. When you run the assistant do you select "Join existing network"? There is a great post on here somewhere with other instructions on setting up the Express a different way. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Can't get Airport Express A1088 to work with A1264

Hi,
My modem and office are at opposite ends of my home, so I've been using 2 x Airport Express base stations (both A1088) to connect to the internet. One is plugged into the modem via an Ethernet cable, the other is set up in a hallway to extend the range (I just lose the signal if I only use one AX). On Sunday, one A1088 "died" so I bought an A1264 to replace it. I've tried to set them up as a network (following WDS instructions on this site, etc), but no joy. Airport Utilities just won't "see" them. Any tips for set-up or ideas where I might be going wrong? Is there a step-by-step guide anyone can direct me to? Or would I be better off just buying a second A1264?
Thanks in advance for your help.

Consider it purged, John!
I got a survey which I filled in as constructively as possible (largely because I didn't want to get the second guy any grief because I feel he was as helpful as he was able to be.)
I finally sorted out the issue, with one final hiccup ("Join a network" was so branded on my brain from my attempts at THAT ACRONYM that I forgot I needed to use "Extend a network" instead – d'oh!)
Crazy as it sounds, I think one problem is with terminology. If I'd said "802.11n" and/or "802.11b/g" instead of A1264 and A1088, the Applecare guys may have got what I was on about a bit quicker, but surely the customer is going to go by the name on the label (ones that also seem to be used everywhere from this forum to eBay!), so surely it's up to Apple to make certain their staff are aware of model numbers, etc?
I agree with what you're saying about customer service. It's probably not an easy job - I don't think I was rude at any point (at least I hope not), though I may have sounded whiny and stressed, which would have been nothing personal, just frustration with the situation. But there are ways for helpline staff to say, "OK, let's go through this one step at a time…" without getting uppity!

Can't Get Airport Express To Work With ATT's Uverse

For years, AE worked just fine with my 2Wire portal streaming music to my stereo. Went to Uverse 2 months ago, and AE quit working. I am not using an Airport base station, just the Uverse modem and I need help getting it to work.
There is nothing in this forum when I search for uverse, so I post this in hope someone can help me.
I reset AE it and it finally appeared in Airport utility with a yellow light. I click configure and when I choose to join my current network, it sets up it's own Apple network, removing it from Airport utility and changing Airport status in Network to yellow.
No matter what I do or how I try, I just can't get AE to work with the stock 2Wire modem.
Has anyone been able to get AE to work with just the 2wire router & not have to buy an airport base station.
Any help is REALLY appreciated, as I wanna hear my Christmas music, and it's turning me into a Grinch!
Thanks!
Message was edited by: Chris Winkler1

+However, it asks for the security and all I see is WEP in the Home Network set up, I don't know if it's 40 or 128+
AT&T set this up, so only they can tell you for sure. My guess would be WEP 128 since this type of security is stronger than WEP 40.
+And it asks for a wireless password. I entered the one from the router & it did not work. Tried the Key and it did not work.+
This is the same wireless password that you would use if you were logging on to your wireless network with your computer. But, unless you first have the exact, correct security setting for your 2wire router, the password will not work.
+Has anyone out there successfully got their Airport Express to work with Uverse????+
I don't provide instructions to anyone on the forum unless I've first done it myself. I'm providing you with the same instructions that I used to help a neighbor with his 2wire Uverse setup last week. It works fine.
But, he called AT&T to ask them what security setting they used on his 2wire router. Otherwise, we would have had to try each possible setting to see if we could make it work.
AT&T also told him that his password should be 13 characters, all lower case letters with no spaces. That is what the neighbor said he used. I cannot confirm this as he did not share his password with me.
AT&T may have set up the password criteria differently on your router. You need to confirm with them on this.
+What password goes in the Base station tab, Key or Password?+
Any password you want. This is a separate password simply to be able to access the settings on the device in the future when you are using AirPort Utility. You could use your wireless network password if you want.
Please post back on your progress.

Can't get Airport to join a network

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for