Difficulty setting up airport express as a client in an existing network

Wow, I've been struggling all day to set this up and I can't seem to get it to work.
I have an existing wireless network that uses a 2wire homeportal 1000SW DSL modem. I have Itunes running on my HP windows XP laptop, and I just bought an airport express that I'd like to hook up to my stereo to allow me to stream from itunes to the stereo.
I can get it to work as a separate network, but I can't get the airport express to connect as a client to the existing 2wire network. There's no ACL that I'm aware of (guests with laptops are always able to connect to the 2wire if I give them the password). I'm using the hex excape character "$" before my 10 character WEP password when I'm setting it up. But I just get the blinking amber light.
It's really quite a pain to use the two separate networks, because for some reason, I have to enter the network password each time I want to switch. Also, it would be nice to be able to be connected to the internet at the same time that I'm streaming my Itunes.
Any help would really be appreciated. Thanks.
HP   Windows XP  

Hi Jfshelton,
Can you please elaborate on how you were able to
configure AE as a client on your existing network. I
have the EXACT problem you were having and almost an
identical set up.
Hey, sorry for the late reply. I was out of town for the holidays.
I'm afraid that by now the info has leaked out of my brain since it's been a couple of months. However, I remember strongly suspecting that the problem had to do with the format of the WEP password. From other info that I read, I got the idea that the 2wire gateway uses a 40-bit password, which is apparently an older format. The Admin Utility definitely was expecting a 64-bit password. When I set the password up using the Admin Utility, I was able to specify the format as 40-bits. You may also need to specify that it's hex.
Hope this helps.

Similar Messages

  • Airport Express won't connect to my existing network!!

    I purchase an Airport Express and I want to have it connect to my wireless network, but whenever it "restarts", I just get a message telling me that it can't find the Airport after restarting it. I typed in my router password(40 bit WEP), and it just doesn't work. Can anyone help me?

    Unfortunately WEP has some password inconsistencies among vendor implementations. Try using the hexadecimal equivalent.
    FYI 40 bit WEP is extremely weak. If your devices support it move to WPA2 or WPA. If you have some that don't support WPA or WPA2 at least use 128 bit WEP.

  • I set up Airport Express as Client, I can no longer connect to my wlan

    I set up Airport Express in Client mode so that I could use Airtunes. My Router/modem is a netgear one and I use WPA.
    I can no longer connect to my wireless network from my ibook.
    If I plug in the ethernet to the router I can. I can also then see from the router that Airport express has connected itself to the router.
    So what do I have to do to be able to reconnect to myibook to the WLAN?

    Double-check these settings on your iBook:
    System Preferences > Network > Show > Network Port Configurations
    - Verify that an AirPort option exists. If it does not, click "New" to create one. - Verify that AirPort is "On" (checked)
    - Verify that AirPort is at the top of the list. If it isn't, you can drag it to the top.
    Systems Preferences > Network > Show > AirPort
    AirPort tab
    - By default, join: Automatic
    TCP/IP tab
    - Configure IPv4: Using DHCP
    - Configure IPv6: Automatically or Off
    Proxies tab
    - Configure Proxies: Manually
    - Select a proxy server to configure: <All proxies should be unchecked unless you specifically require a proxy for Internet access.>
    - Exclude simple hostnames (unchecked)
    - Bypass proxy settings for these Hosts & Domains: <leave blank>
    - Use Passive FTP Mode (PASV) (checked)

  • Setting up Airport express with new Vista Computer?

    I just bought a new computer with microsoft Vista. I have a netgear wireless router using WPA protection. I want to hook up an airport express as a client in another room where my stereo is. I had this working on my old XP computer but don't remember how I set it up because none of the discussions in the manual look anything like what I had. Does anyone know how to set this up?

    Got it!!!! thanks to David NYC and tesserax. For other peoples benefit, change steps 1-5 on the above document procedure for Airport Admin Utility to the following:
    1. Perform factory reset (situational)
    2. Attach Airport Express via Ethernet to router.
    3. Invoke your router software and view connected devices.
    4. Identify Airport Express device id. It will be something like (192.168.1.3). You can tell which id is the airport express by looking for its MACD id on the list and comparing to the id printed on the Airport Express unit.
    5. Open Airport Admin Utility.
    6. Click Other.....
    7. Enter the device id from #4 and password (this will be "public" if you reset to factory in step 1.)
    8. Change settings to wireless (steps 6-13 of existing procedure)
    Thanks to all who helped.

  • Problems setting up AirPort Express Base Station

    I'm a real newbie at this, so pardon the ignorance in advance haha.
    I just bought a new Airport Express base station. I wanted to be able to stream my music via iTunes to my living room. I'm just having problems getting the aiport utility to recognize the base station. I have the base station plugged in and everything. Right now it is flashing the amber light.
    This is my set-up. I have a Netgear WGR614 54MBPS wireless G router connected to my broadband modem. From the router I have it connected to my desktop thats running windows xp pro. The network is up and running just fine. I can connect via any laptop or other device with wifi. Now, how do I get my wireless router to pick up the base station? Do I have to wrong idea here or something? haha. thanks in advance!

    In the Airport Utility for your Airport Express, you should set the Airport Express in "client" mode. You might have to connect your Airport Express directly to your router with ethernet cable, while doing this. If you are using encryption, make sure that you enter the encryption number onto the express that your router/access point is using. Again, if you plug the Express directly into the router, you should be able to modify the settings quite easily. Once you unplug the express, it will blink orange for awhile (maybe a minute), so wait a bit.
    Good luck.

  • Problems Setting-up Airport Express to Play Music thru External Speakers

    Hi:
    I have an HP dv6500z laptop connected to an HP printer C6280 via LinkSys wireless network using the LinkSys 54G router and PrintServer. It works fine.
    I purchased an Apple Airport Express and want to connect it to this network so that I can play songs from within iTunes through external powered speakers wirelessly. The powered speakers are connected to the Airport Express (AE).
    The AE is plugged into the AC outlet and the speakers are turned on. The AE is roughly 10 feet away from the laptop/router, just across the room. The AE's
    LED is flashing amber (It does not yet recognize the network). I installed the Airport Utility from the enclosed CD, downloaded all patch upgrades and it installed successfully.
    Now, how do I tell the Airport Utility to recognize and connect to my existing LinkSys network, so that the AE recognizes it ? The instructions are not clear on this note...they say to run the Airport Utility and then follow the on-screen instructions. The instructions tell you that you will lose your wireless network connection if you continue...and you do if you try.
    The same information comes up if you try to do a manual install.
    How do I connect the AE to an existing network ? This information seems to be missing. If I go to the AirPort Utility Help and search and search on Setting Up AirPort Express, it tells me the following:
    Connect your stereo or powered speakers to your AirPort Express using the mini-jack on the top side of your AirPort Express, and then plug your AirPort Express into a wall outlet.
    Open AirPort Utility, located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a computer using Mac OS, and in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a computer using Windows.
    Click Music in the toolbar, and select the Enable AirTunes checkbox.
    Problem: What Music in What toolbar ? I do not see this...
    Enter an iTunes speaker name and password. This is the name displayed in the pop-up menu at the bottom of the iTunes window.
    Problem: Where does this information come from
    If you're setting up your AirPort Express for the first time, choose Assist Me from the Base Station menu and follow the onscreen instructions.
    It seems like something is missing from the setup.
    Aaah...Just for the heck of it, I went under Base Station > Assist Me
    and told it to continue even though the dialog box said it would change the network.
    It displayed a tabbed dialog box where I could configure the AirPort Express, including a tab named Music.
    Note:
    The following two items are listed in Apple's on-line Help inside of Airport Utility, and on the web, yet I did not see them inside of Airport Utility when trying t oconfigure my AE.
    I did not see a checkbox to check, named Enable AirTunes.
    I did not see any place for entering the name and password for my speakers.
    I followed all of the instructions and things looked like they were going well until I clicked Finish.
    Them it said something like it could not save the settings..try again.
    Well, I did, but when I brought Airport Utility back up, it kept saying that it could not detect the AE,
    and when I went under the Base Station menu, all items were grayed-out, so I couldn't do anything.
    Please help... the instructions need to clearer and more detailed.
    Thanx, Dale
    HP dv 6500z Windows Vista New Airport Express

    Hi:
    Thanx for your reply.
    After several more hours of trial & error over the weekend,
    I finally have the Green Light (LED) on the Airport Express.
    And it stays green, even if I unplug it from the AC outlet,
    and plug it back in later. I have the green light so this
    tells me that I have gotten past one hurdle.
    OK...in order to get this far, I had the AE wired to the
    laptop or LinkSys router via an Ethernet cable. How do
    I go about making this a "wireless" connection. LinkSys
    told me how to take my laptop from a hardwired connection
    to wireless, but it doesn't address the issue when you have
    a 3rd party device hardwired that you want to make wireless.
    Side Note:
    I have not tried this yet, but I found a note on the web that
    stated something like this: after getting the green light,
    this guy then disconnected the Ethernet cable from the AE,
    unplugged the AE from AC power for a few minutes, plugged it
    back in to AC power, and voila! ... he was wirelessly on his network.
    OK...let's assume that my AE is now on the wireless network.
    What type of special settings do I need to make inside of iTunes
    in order to get sound to the speakers.
    I have my powered speakers recognized by iTunes...I can select them.
    But, it appears that something may be blocking my AE from talking to
    my network...I keep getting a pop-up box from Symantec saying that it
    is detecting a "virus" (for lack of a better term) at the IP address
    that I set my AE to. Oh, yes...that's another question...
    When manually setting up the AE, I have my router network's IP address
    (dotted-quad) in the list of parameter settings, but...near the top of
    the list, the Airport Utility software asks for your AE's IP.
    Well, what is it ? Nobody has told me ... Where do I get it from ???
    Or...do I assign an arbitrary value to it based on the dotted-quad below ?
    The router has an IP address of something like 192.168.1.xyz. I know what
    the xyz is for the router but, what number do I use here for the AE, or
    does it matter as long as it isn't being used by another network device.
    My network is static.
    So, after using a number not used by my network elsewhere (that I am aware of,
    and...inserting a $ (to specify hexadecimal format)in front of my encryption password, NOT the router password (they intermix the naming of these) I finally managed to get the Green Light on the AE. Note: I am using the WEP-64 bit encryption which is also refered to a "40 bit" (No..not hexadecimal..$40 = 64) which is 40-bit to which a random 24 bit is added to give you 64 bit encryption.
    To summarize;
    I appear to have the AE configured via hardwire (I have the green light).
    In iTunes, I can see and select my powered-speakers from the drop-down menu in the lower right corner, but i am s not yet streaming (hearing) the music.
    It appears that Symantic may be knocking me off the network, or not letting the AE talk to the laptop/router...I have not yet tried this, but another nugget that I found on this site says to go to System Preferences (where?), click on the Firewalls tab, click Advanced , and uncheck "Block UDP Traffic".
    Is this what may be blocking my AE talking to the laptop/router ?
    Any help/feedback would be appreciated...Thank you.
    I'm getting close...but no cigar (yet).
    DaleB

  • Constant Error While Setting Up Airport Express with Existing Network

    I just bought an Airport Express for use with printer and existing wireless network (two original Airport Extremes). I can't get past the error msg below*. The AE shows in Airport Utility. I click on that and then "Continue". A window appears asking if I'm sure I want to "Switch" wireless networks. I assume I do since set up doesn't continue if I select "Don't Switch". But every time I try that it shows a spinning wheel and "Joining wireless network...", and un-joins existing wireless network (losing the two AEBS's), giving me the continued error msg. And on a few occasions Airport Utility can't see it, like now.
    *Error Msg: "An error occurred joining the selected wireless network."
    It's been a while since I've set up Apple's wireless devices but I thought it was easier now. The manual is ambiguous with "1) Open Airport Utility, 2) Follow the onscreen instructions...". If I could only get to that. Very frustrating for a device that's suppose to be so simple to set up.
    Message was edited by: Sakahara

    Addendum: Now that I've plugged it in near the printer again Airport Utility can see it but can't read it's configuration so that I can set up the printer. How is this helpful with setting up a printer in another room/level if you have to set it up near your computer first because the two Airport Extreme's you have already set up (one of them, to create the wireless network, 8 feet away from the Express, and the other, to extend the wireless network, on an upper level, to reach the iMac) to give your computer a wireless network? So Airport Utility can see all three airport devices, the network/internet works and is extended to my iMac, but it can't read the Express device to set up the printer. Isn't that the point of the extended wireless network? And yet I can read/set up the Extreme near the Express. Now I have to lug the printer up two levels to set up the printer.

  • How to set up Airport Express in Bridge mode for hotel use

    Please provide step by step instructions on how to set up Airport Express in Bridge mode for hotel use. I do not have a computer with me, only an iPhone and AEX 802.11n.

    +"Please provide step by step instructions on how to set up Airport Express in Bridge mode for hotel use. I do not have a computer with me, only an iPhone and AEX 802.11n."+
    AirPort Utility is the application that must be used to setup and make any configuration changes to the AirPort Express. I'm not aware of an "App" for this.
    If you could borrow a computer from someone there for 30 minutes or maybe use the computer in the lobby, you could download AirPort Utility and reconfigure your Express. To help with setup, use an ethernet cable from the computer to the Express to help AirPort Utility "see" the Express.
    http://support.apple.com/downloads/#airport

  • Problem with setting up Airport Express to join an existing network

    I want to use an Airport Express to stream music from iTunes to my stereo. I've followed all of the instructions in Airport Utility (latest update) to the end, when the Airport Utility starts to update and loses sight of my airport Express. I get the following message: "Airport Utility was unable to find your AirPort device after restarting. The setting for this AirPort device was successfully updated, but there was a problem in joining the network or the Airport device." After this, the only way I can get back on the internet is to use the Network panel in System Preferences. When I start that off, I get this message: "Airport has the self-assigned IP address x.x.x.x and will not be able to connect to the internet." After rejoining my network, I'm back where I started from, but the MacBook cannot see the Airport Express device. I have to do a Factory Reset, in order to start over. But I end up just where I was: with Airport Utility losing sight of Airport Express and I having to return to Network Preferences to get back on the Internet.

    Welcome to the discussions, Matt!
    "Airport Utility was unable to find your AirPort device after restarting. The setting for this AirPort device was successfully updated, but there was a problem in joining the network or the Airport device."
    This error occurs when the AirPort Express does not receive the correct information to join the wireless network. The settings that you provided were stored successfully on the AirPort Express...what the message does not tell you is that unfortunately they were not the right settings. It's almost always a security setting that causes this error.
    Please go into your wireless router and locate the settings page. We need to know the exact type of wireless security that your router is using. When we have this information, we should be able to recommend a compatible setting for the AirPort Express or another setting on your wireless router that will allow a successful connection.

  • Airport Express as wireless client for Linksys WRT54G (v2)

    Hi gang. I've been trying without success for some time to get my new AX configured as a wireless client on my existing network. Here's the particulars:
    Linksys WRT54G (version 2, latest firmware), 802.11 b/g, channel 6. MAC filtering is enabled, and the AX's MAC address has been added to the persmissions table. WPA shared key security is enabled. AX is latest firmware, 6.3.
    I can access the AX no problem by connecting it via ethernet/cat-5 cable to my router. I see it in the list of connected devices on the Linksys admin page, its IP address, etc. I can configure it, no problem. Except that every time I configure it, it reboots and never joins the wireless network, no matter what I seem to do.
    Here's my normal procedure:
    - Access AirPort Admin Utility
    - Select the AX from the first screen, then click Configure. Up comes the configuration screen.
    - Click on Airport tab.
    - I change Wireless Mode to "Join an Existing Wireless Network (Wireless Client)" and enter my network SSID in the Network Name box.
    - I then click the Wireless Security button, then select "WPA2 Personal", then click "Set Pre-Shared Key" and enter my WPA key, exactly as it appears in the Linksys wireless security page. I save the configuration and the AX reboots.
    After that, I wait for half a minute, then the flashing amber (problem/no connectivity) light returns.
    I'm completely frustrated with this thing. I've searched some other postings in these forums and on the net and tried some of it but it doesn't work for me. My wireless or network setup is pretty standard stuff, so I don't get why this thing won't join the network. I don't have these problems with any other devices.
    Any help is greatly appreciated!!
    Scott

    I am experiencing the exact same problem here... I can set up a new network to this device, but cannot set it up as a client on my existing linksys network. I believe I have followed the procedure precisely yet no dice. The iTunes plays on the new network albeit on a weak signal which cuts out periodically. My thought was to put it on the linksys router with a stronger wireless signal...

  • HT4259 Trying to set up airport express to extend my wireless network. Primary base station is a time capsule. Even when I plug in the airport express to mac it cannot find it.

    Trying to set up airport express to extend my Wi-Fi network. Primary base station is a time capsule. Tried searching for airport express using Wi-Fi status, no luck. Even tried plugging airport express into iMac, still no luck. Airport express showing solid amber light. Thanks for any help.

    Airport express showing solid amber light
    Unfortunately, this can mean one of two things:
    1) The Express is locked up and will need a Factory Default Reset procedure to try to return the device back to its original default settings so that it can be reconfigured again.
    2) The Express is defective. If you cannot get the Express back to a slow, blinking amber light after a Factory Default Reset, the Express will need to be replaced.
    Try the Factory Default Reset a few times and report back on your progress.
    Resetting an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule FAQ

  • Please help, 2 days trying to set up Airport express

    Hi all
    I hope someone can help.
    Bought an Apple Airport Express mainly because I want to stream my iTunes music from my laptop to my amp & stereo system which is situated in same room as PC but too far away for wires etc.
    I DO NOT need to have wifi internet thru my Express just music.
    Laptop: Compaq Presario CQ70
    OS: Windows Vista
    Location: Greece
    When I "simply plug in the express (as per Apple's instructions) I just cant get it to do anything, I cant find it on my wireless connections on PC, it doesnt reboot.
    Sometimes it can be found on a scan, but mostly not, I have tried to set it up with the software & with an ethernet lead connected, this seems to work but then it kills my wireless internet connection??????????? Does anyone know why it does this. Then when I try to reconnect to that wireless connection with my PC it tells me that the settings are incorrect & do not match those of my PC & I have to delete that connection & make a new one & then I get my wireless internet back.
    I have tried resetting the Express with a paper clip & still not successful.
    I have seen some pictures on the net with a "extreme Base station" too do I need one of these too just to stream music??
    I do hope someone can help as I have bought & installed a great new speaker set up on top of this room & so desperately want to try out my iTunes music on them.

    Hi Lexvo. Thanx for getting back to me. Have answered your questions in red (hope it posts in red) & italic
    If I understand it right, you already have a wireless network set up and now you want to add the Airport Extreme. I have a normal wireless router (Conn-x Thomson) & I want to add the Airport Express to stream music (NB I dont have an Extreme base station; refer to my initial post r.e do I also need an extreme or am I just ok with the Express, I ONLY WANT TO STREAM MUSIC)
    In a nutshell:
    With the Airport Configuration utility, you should be able to find the Express. The airport config utility only shows me a "rescan" button, all other dropdowns are pale grey & not selectable, I guess this happens until you "find" the base station. Then you can configure your Express by letting it join the existing network. I can only do this is if I hook up my PC - Express by ethernet & then do manual set up, but I did select "join an existing network" & it still cuts out my wireless internet. The Express is plugged in my wall & still flashing Amber even after 3hrs
    What I think is happening:
    I think what you are doing is kind of creating a separate wireless network. If you do so, you constantly have to switch between two networks. That's why your wireless internet connection looks to be disappeared. See above paragraph I dont think I am.
    I assume you have a wireless router? (or modem/router?) Yes as above
    Have a look at below taken from Apple Support & I have put what happens in red
    Using AirPort Setup Assistant
    Plug AirPort Express into a power outlet. I do this & it just sits there & flashes, I cannot find it anywhere on my PC. Apple gives the impression that this is just plug & play, but I am not getting that.
    On your computer, join the wireless network created by AirPort Express. Cant be seen anywhere
    Open AirPort Setup Assistant. Mac users: Find it in /Applications/Utilities/. Windows users: On the Start menu, point to All Programs and click AirPort. Yes but, the airport config utility only shows me a "rescan" button, all other dropdowns are pale grey & not selectable, I guess this happens until you "find" the base station.
    When you see the Introduction screen, click Continue.
    Select "Set up a new AirPort Base Station" and click Next.
    When the AirPort Setup Assistant confirms that it has found your AirPort Express, click Continue. (If your AirPort Express wasn't found, click Try Again.)
    Select "Connect to my current wireless network."

  • Can you guide me step by step in setting up airport express as a wireless extender for an existing Airport extreme network

    Can you guide me step by step in setting up airport express 802.11 as a wireless extender for an existing airport extreme network?

    Also check out:
    Re: Need Help Networking AirPort Exp to Existing AirPort Extreme
    Re: How to connect AirPort Express to existing AirPort Extreme Network...

  • Trouble setting up Airport Express and Windows

    I am trying to help a friend set up Airport Express to work with her Windows computer. The goal is to use the Airport Express so she can stream iTunes to her stereo system. There is an existing Linksys wireless network. First I tried to connect add the Airport Express to her existing wireless network. I was able to see the base station and I chose to add it to her existing network. I was able to go through all the steps updating the Airport Express. After the base station restarted, the configuration tool couldn't see the base station anymore. In iTunes on her Windows computer, I could see the base station but when I clicked to select the speakers, it wouldn't select.
    I reset the Airport Express to factory settings and tried again with the same result.
    I reset again and tried using the Airport Express to replace her wireless network and to also stream iTunes. In the configuration app I chose to create a new wireless network. I was able to set up the Airport Express as a wireless network and could connect her Windows laptop to the Internet through the Airport Express. But I had the same problem in iTunes: I could see the speakers in the drop down list, but I couldn't select them.
    I've returned everything to how it was (Linksys wireless network).
    Can anyone let me know how to make this work?
    Thanks

    As I mentioned in my post, I followed the directions exactly. I used the same set of directions in the previous post. At the last step of the set up, the Airport Express restarts. After restarting, I got an error saying the utility could not find the base station. I reset the Airport Express to factory settings and went through the steps again and had the exact same result.
    I am using an Airport Express at home with a Linksys router and I had no problem setting it up to join my network. The only difference is that I use a Mac at home. The one I am trying to set up for my friend is with a Windows XP machine.
    Has anyone ever had this problem?

  • Trying to set up Airport Express as range extender

    I successfully set up my new Airport Extreme base station. Now I want to add on my new Airport Express to extend the range of WiFi. I plugged in the Express, opened Airport Utility, selected the Express icon on the left. I get this message: "Setting up this AirPort wireless device requires switching wireless networks. Switching wireless networks may interrupt your connection to the Internet." What does this mean? Should I go ahead and click "Switch"? None of the directions in the manual or discussion forums mention this message in their instructions. I am timid! Can anyone advise me?

    Bob, I had a big failure today. I clicked on Airport Extreme and "Switch," and chose the option "Extend the range of network." I answered the other required questions (password, etc.) then waited for Airport Utility to "Upgrade" the system. After about 3 minutes Airport Utility says that the network cannot be found! The whole internet service was down! Did not even appear in the Airport menu. The base station no longer appeared in the left column, and I had to reset and re-enter the base Extreme all over again.
    Then I tried again but this time used Airport Express first. It said that my network "could not be found." I tried again the original way - I am embarrassed to tell how many times I tried this. Finally I gave up. I will be returning the Airport Express gizmo to amazon.com for a refund. I don't know how other smart people accomplished this, but apparently the range cannot be "extended' on Airport Extreme, so I sure don't need the Extender.
    I wish I could learn something from this frustrating experience, other than I am not very capable, and Apple products are not all they are cracked up to be.
    Any comments?

Maybe you are looking for