Macbook Air/Pro difficult to connect to Airport Extreme and external disk

For some unclear reason my MacBook Pro and Air both have difficulty connecting to the Airport Extreme external disk after waking up from sleep. I can't even see the AE in the Airport utility. If I toggle wifi on/off several times it shows up and works. What is odd is that I can always connect with my PC and on the Bootcamp partition of the Macbook Air in Windows 8.1. I'm using OS 10.10, the most recent update and have a latest model AE running updated firmware. Any ideas?

Probably Yosemite issues. I have issues seeing Airports as well. Like you toggling the wifi fixes it. Hopefully 10.10.2 will solve the problem.

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Macbook Air (Lion) won't connect to Airport Express (and won't remember network)

My new Macbook Air 13, with Lion, will not connect to my Airport Express. It throws the following error: "A connection timeout occured"
This Airport Express is setup as a bridge. So it extends my wireless router.
The new Macbook air sees this setup as 2 seperate WIFI networks. It will connect to one (the router), but will not connect to the other one (the airport). It will then not remember the router, so each time it restarts or wakes from sleep, I have to manually reconnect to the correct one.
For reference. I have 4 other wifi devices in this household. A win 7 laptop, an IPad 2, an iphone, and a Macbook pro with Leopard. All 4 of them are working as intended. They see one wifi network, connect to it (and move between the two points as necessary), and they remember their connections.
Any thoughts or advice?

Glad it's not just me. I have D-Link and TP-Link routers set up in the same or a similar way. My iPads, iPods and Windows laptops all show a single SSID and switch between them happily. My new 13" Air was showing two networks (2 SSIDs) and wireless was patchy at best. I changed one router to be N only and that improved things somewhat, but still loosing the network. In order to see which router was being used I altered the SSID of one. The "N-only" router is giving the best coverage with a strong signal - but then it just drops out and the wireless icon shows "Searching". Turning wifi off then back on fixes the connection.
When it comes to internet browsing my iPad 2 is significantly faster than the Air.
I'm also having trouble keeping or attaining connections to my Windows shares, drop-out, even when I still have internet connectivity.

I have my Time Machine on an external drive (not connected to Airport Extreme) and I have an external HD attached to airport extreme. Is it possible to have Time Machine backUp computer HD AND external HD connected to Airport Extreme. How?

I have my Time Machine on an external drive (not connected to Airport Extreme) and I have an external HD attached to airport extreme. Is it possible to have Time Machine backUp computer HD AND external HD connected to Airport Extreme. How?

Is it possible to have Time Machine backUp computer HD AND external HD connected to Airport Extreme.
Sorry, but no.
Time Machine will backup your Mac, but not the hard drive attached to the AirPort Extreme.
Time Machine will back up a hard drive only if it is attached directly to your Mac via USB or FireWire.

New Macbook Pro reluctant to connect to Airport Extreme at 5ghz

I brought the latest 17" 2011 Macbook Pro back in April this year, to replace an older 15" MBP. I'm mostly happy with the new machine, but have noticed one frustrating problem.
When waking from sleep, and perhaps even from booting cold, the Macbook Pro always connects to my Airport Extreme at the slower 2.4ghz speed. My old Macbook Pro was always keen to jump onto the same network at 5ghz unless it was too far away to get a good quality signal. I still have the old MBP and it still behaves this way, correctly. The new Macbook Pro is meant to have more ariels in it for wifi (albiet unlikely to be present in my year or two old Airport Extreme) but I would expect it to behave at least as well as its older sibling.
The thing is if I disable Airport and re-enable it will then mostly lock on at 5ghz, its just frustrating having to do so. It's not even helped by locality, I'm currently in the same room 1m away from the Airport Extreme and it still wakes up onto 2.4ghz.
I've yet to upgrade to Lion, so am running on Snow Leopard. I've heard friends have niggling problems with Wifi waking from sleep anyways, so I look forward to seeing how this problem alters when i do upgrade.
Any suggestions, or anyone else experiencing the same behaviour? Thanks
Cheers
Jim

Delete the connection information for the 2.4 GHz connection and it won't be able to connect at 2.4 GHz.

Apple TV often drops connection with AirPort Extreme and Express stations

Here's my setup:
- Mac Pro in basement office connected to AirPort Extreme (802.11n) station via Ethernet
- AirPort Extreme station running WPA/WPA2 security and 802.11n (b/g compatible)
- AirPort Express station across basement room connected to stereo expressly for AirTunes purposes
- Apple TV and MacBook Pro on house ground floor, both connecting to the network via WiFi
(unless specified, the software and firmware in my devices is all extremely up to date. I write about Apple news for a living so I know when the updates land and install all of them almost immediately)
Here's what's going wrong:
Since I have one of the first gen Apple TVs with a 40GB hard drive but a 100GB iTunes library, I use streaming almost 100% of the time. The Apple TV can usually connect to my iTunes library for streaming via WiFi, but if the AirPort Express (a b/g device, mind you) is active on the network, the Apple TV and even my MacBook Pro get booted off the network usually between 12-24 hours, if not 48. Sometimes WiFi seems to work itself out and I can get the MacBook Pro back online, sometimes it even needs a full restart, as Mac OS X will start giving me nothing but "there was an error trying to join this network" warnings. Just as frustrating though, the Apple TV getting booted off means I need go through the whole tedious process of connecting it to WiFi again (it doesn't remember the password for some stupid reason), and then manually surfing again through the Sources list just to get back to streaming my media.
What the heck is going on? Is it the kind of security I'm running? Should I try WEP or... none at all? I would try "downgrading" the Extreme station's network type to only b/g (excluding n entirely), but I don't see that option in the radio settings anymore; it's all just flavors 802.11n now. When I set up the AirPort Express to connect to the network just for AirTunes streaming to the stereo, I used the setup wizard that the AirPort Utility provides. Should I attach it a different way? Perhaps manually set it to "participate in a WDS network" or "extend a wireless network?"
Any thoughts or similar experiences are very, very appreciated. My wife and I love this setup, but its unreliability is really getting on my nerves. Thanks in advance.
Message was edited by: bedoughty

Firstly, the easiest bit (although I don't believe you need to do this):
I would try "downgrading" the Extreme station's network type to only b/g (excluding n entirely), but I don't see that option in the radio settings anymore
You will get additional settings if you hold down the option key while browsing the radio settings drop down menu.
Moving on: Unfortunately a dropped connections seems to be a problem with umpteen causes and not only is it difficult to troubleshoot with someone in a forum it can also be made even more difficult because many problems are associated with network settings on a router that the person who is trying to help is unfamiliar with.
However you seem to be convinced your problems arise when your express is running which may narrow things down a little if correct, if not it may actually lead us away from the answer to your issue.
Is it the kind of security I'm running? Should I try WEP or... none at all?
I use WPA and have no problems (password = 8 Characters)
Should I attach it a different way? Perhaps manually set it to "participate in a WDS network" or "extend a wireless network?
I have my expresses set to participate in a WDS network, but that's because I use them for other things other than itunes, I would have thought 'join a network' would be fine.
You could check that all your devices are using independent IP addresses and all are using the same subnet. You could also check that no two devices have the same mac address, I've been told a million times this can't happen, but I've seen it. You may be wise to check these things before and after your devices have been 'kicked off the network", you may even want to write them down to see if any are changing.

Airport Extreme and external HDD - cannot be found under Windows (XP/Vista)

Dear All,
I am about to loose it. I have an Airport Extreme (7.4.2), most recent version (802.11n)connected to my cable modem. Attached is a 2TB HFS+ Formated HDD. I have a number of machines. My primary machine is a Dell XPS with Vista and MacDrive installed.
Now: On my AirPort utilities through the Dell the different HDD's connected via USB (I have tried half a dozen) are all visible. They are shared and I have tried all options, e.g. "with Disk Password" etc, tried to give and deny access to guests etc.
I have tried various things incl. switching off the firewall has not been a success either. I am basically ready to buy a Mac now, but I am worried that the problem will persist for all my Windows based PC's.
Who can help with a step to step guide? tried the TCP/IP settings on the XP machine as well (entering the IP address of both Airport Extreme and Express).

Hi!
I've got the same problem as of Friday when I upgraded my Notebook from XP to Windows 7.
It does not recognize the HDD anymore, neither on the Windows7 Notebook nor on 2 different XP- PC's.
I disabled the password functionality and removed the HDD several times, no change.
When I look to the data volumes overview in the system settings, all internal HDD's and the CD partition of the Toshiba drive are shown. The HDD partition of the drive is shown as "non allocated".
Is there any workaround to get access to the data????
Best regards,
Helmut

Help With Airport Extreme and External Hard Drive

I just purchased the Airport Extreme and I couldn't have been happier. I have attached my western digital external hard drive, but I have run into a slight problem/dilemma which I'm hoping someone who is apple savvy can help me out.
I live in a house with a couple of other guys and so I put all of my movies and media onto the hard drive so we can stream it throughout the house, but how do I make sure that someone won't accidently delete the files (The copies on the hard drive are the only ones I have)? I have tried to right click "get info" and change the sharing & permissions properties on the folders that I don't want deleted, but it doesn't save the changes or even allow me to select another option other than Read & Write. I formated the hard drive with the disk utility before I connected it to the AirPort so I know that it has nothing to do with the format of the drive. I also tried to create different user accounts for each roomate so that they could view the files (Read Only) but I get an error message explaining that if I continue, the contents of the hard drive will not be accessible. I'm sure its something simple but I'm obviously missing it.
Thanks!

Airport Utility under Disks/File Sharing has guest access rights.

Macbook Pro trying to connect to Airport Extreme I no longer own

I used to own an Airport Extreme which I used to run backups on my Macbook Pro, but got rid of it over a year ago. Then a few days ago, after a software update, I've started getting the following error message when I wake my macbook up from sleep "there was a problem connecting to the server airport extreme". I've checked the Airport Utility and it doesn't think there is an Airport Extreme connected. I can't find anything running in the background either, but then I'm not super techie, so its quite possible I'm not looking for the right things in the right places. Its starting to drive me a bit potty as I can't find anything similar in a google search either, so I'd be grateful if someone could help me work out what to do about it (preferably by giving me simple step by step instructions!). Thanks

Clean install the OS..
Sorry but if you have deleted all the plist files it would be gone.. but upgrade installs of Yosemite are so buggy.. just start over..
Use the existing TM backup to restore your files.. of course take great care doing this and if you need to make a new clean backup to a usb drive plugged directly to the computer.. a disk image can also add to the security of your files.
This is OS problem .. not the TC which is no longer even there.

Retina MacBook Pro is not connecting with Airport Extreme 5 GHz signal

I believe I have done my due diligence to find the answer to my question here and other places but I must be missing it. I have a Retina MacBook Pro that as far as I know should select the 5 GHz signal from my Airport Extreme (Generation 1 with 7.6.4 firmware) which is literally 3 ft. from my computer. When I click on the Airport icon in the menu bar, it is indicating a 2.4 GHz connection. I have looked at discussions which say I can give separate names to to both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signals. I can't seem to find that. I also read where you can reorder the order of signal preference. I can't seem to find that either. Interestingly, I have an Airport Express that is extending the network. When option clicking on its icon in airport utility, I can see both the 2.4 and 5 GHz information. I don't se that in the Airport Extreme. I am thinking about gettng the newest Airport Extreme but if I don't need to...
Thanks for any help!

as far as I know should select the 5 GHz signal from my Airport Extreme (Generation 1 with 7.6.4 firmware) which is literally 3 ft. from my computer
A Generation 1 AirPort Extreme is not a simultaneous dual band wireless router. It can produce either a 2.4 GHz....or....a 5 GHz wireless network signal, but not both simultaneously.
If you want the Gen 1 Extreme to produce and deliver a 5 GHz wireless network, it can do so, but any 2.4 GHz devices that you have will not be able to connect to the 5 GHz signal.
A new simultaneous dual band AirPort Extreme will produce both a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signal simultaneously. Wireless devices will automatically connect to the best signal quality based on their capabilities and location in relation to the AirPort Extreme.

Lost connection between airport extreme and macbook air when transferring large files

Can anyone help...?
I have an imac and macbook air wirelessly connected to a airpot extreme being used as a router with a hard drive for sharing files accross the network.
It connects ok but when we try and look at a number of large files one after the other, or copy files from the shared hard drive onto the macbook air, the macbook loses wireless connection?
A very strange issue which i cant figure out....
Can anyone help?
Thanks
Shirmy

It could be a wireless interference or strength of wireless signal issue.
What happens when you connect the MacBook Air to the router via an Ethernet connection?

Airport Extreme and USB Disk Connection

I have attached a Western Digital external drive, that I can successfully see the files on it when connected by USB to my iMAC, but when connected to my Airport Extreme I am unable to see it. I can however, see it successfully within the "airport utility" as a storage device connected to the base station. Why can I not see it and where should I be able to view it from?
Thanks in advance Neil

1. I do not see the AEBS in "finder" as I do idisk etc.
2. I do not see the AEBS in "disk utility" either
You will not see the disk in either Finder or Disk Utility until it is mounted.
I've had the same issue. Always have resolved them by shutting down the disk and disconnecting the USB, also cycle power on your USB hub if your using one. Reconnect the disk and power-up.
I can connect to the server (though not sure what account I should do this as) but there are no volumes to select.
Disk Utility> Disks> File Sharing> Secure Shared Disks, if it's set to "With base station password. you would use the Name and Password of your AEBS
Sounds like your connecting properly, it's just not recognizing the Disk.
One other thing, do you know how your disk is formatted?
Powerbook G4, MacBook Pro, Mac G5, Mac G4, Mac Mini Mac OS X (10.4.8)

I have a MacBook, iPhone, Airport Extreme and external hdd. What is my best option to stream my music and movies to my hifi set and TV without having to turn on my MacBook?

I would very much like to store all my movies and music on my external HDD, which is connected to an Airport Extreme. Could for example Apple TV access this HDD and stream either music to my hifi system or video to my tv, without having to turn on my MacBook or iTunes? And use my iPhone to control everything?

About Wake on Demand and Bonjour Sleep Proxy
When a Mac computer is in sleep mode, it can continue sharing services, such as iTunes and iPhoto library sharing, printer sharing, file sharing, and screen sharing.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3774

External HDs connected to Airport Extreme and Imovie / Iphoto issues

I recently purchased a WD mac edition "my book" hardrive in order to store all my imovie, iphoto and itunes files externally. I connected the hard drive to my airport extreme base station but was unable to move my imovie files to the hard drive. Instead I received some derivation of the following message - "volume not compatible." After being transferred to a number of different people at apple support, I was finally told that the imovie, iphoto etc... are not compatible with hard drives that are connected wirelessly. I cannot believe that this is the case (presumably imovie files can be saved on timecapsule). I would be most grateful if someone could help me out here.

I was finally told that the imovie, iphoto etc... are not compatible with hard drives that are connected wirelessly. I cannot believe that this is the case
Nor can I. Files are files, some are bigger than others but to a hard disk, they're all the same.
I would presume that you don't get this message when connecting your My Book directly to the computer's USB port?
Apple Support simply couldn't have understood you correctly. I wouldn't expect to use iMovie or iPhoto to manipulate remotely stored files, but merely copying them for archival purposes is a completely legitimate use for the external HD.
This makes no sense. Perhaps you could post your question in an iLife forum.

Moving iTunes Lib over to external hd connected to airport extreme and listening

Hey hows it goin everyone. I know there are a ton of topics already about this topic but I didnt want to go through all of them and I really just want a solution to this so I can get underway. My music collection is very important to me and can not afford to lose it all. I have a western digital hd connected to my airport extreme that I use to back up wirelessly. I want to take my 180 gigs of music and put it on my external and then be able to play/stream it though my itunes library while I am on my home network. Im not sure what to do. I have tried moving my itunes to my external and then changing the file location to the external but it never seems to work. I would really appreciate it someone could help me out step by step wise. Would be really helpful if someone wanted to sign on skype or ichat and talk me through it. Thanks again guys and girls.

Ok so I did exactly what you said. When I go to and play a sony on itunes and I click the get info button is still shows that the file is located under my user and not the external hd. Anyone know where I go from here. Like I said and ichat or skype would be awesome so we dont have to keep going back and forth. I am stumped on this one. Can anyone please help?

Airport Extreme and external HDD time capsule issues

I'm going to try to provide as much information for you so that you can recommend a fix to the problem.
1. I've just become an Apple owner and also purchased Airport Extreme (AE) a Belkin USB (4 port) hub and a Seagate GoFLex, 1.8T external HDD.
2. My system:
Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro8,2
Processor Name: Intel Core i7
Processor Speed: 2.2 GHz
Number of Processors: 1
Total Number of Cores: 4
L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB
L3 Cache: 6 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Boot ROM Version: MBP81.0047.B04
SMC Version (system): 1.69f1
Serial Number (system): XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hardware UUID: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State: Enabled
3. Attached to the HUB is HP 6280 printer and the Seagate 1.8T GoFlex external HDD.
4. I did configure the AE and my internet connect is working spot on.
5. The AE recognizes the HP6280 printer and it works fine.
Here's where the problem starts:
When I open Time Machine to configure Time Capsule I cannot get the AE to add thGoFlex external HDD drive to the WiFi.
Do I have reset the AE to default setting and start all over? Is there another way to add the GoFlex to the AE so it recognizes it; then, I can run the set up program for the time machine and have wireless capability.

New2Guitar wrote:
When I open Time Machine to configure Time Capsule I cannot get the AE to add thGoFlex external HDD drive to the WiFi.
I hate to have to tell you this, but backing-up with Time Machine software via an Airport Extreme is "iffy" and +*not supported by Apple.+* See [Using Time Machine with an Airport Extreme Air Disk|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/Airport.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).
By the way, a +Time Capsule+ is a wireless router, similar to an Airport Extreme, but a bit larger and with a hard drive built-in, and Time Machine backups to it are supported. In fact, that's the main thing the Time Capsule was designed for. See: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC344LL/A/Time-Capsule-2TB?fnode=MTY1NDA0Mg&mc o=MTMzNzU2MjI

Macbook Air/Pro difficult to connect to Airport Extreme and external disk

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