Powerbook airport problems

Hi. I have a Powerbook G4 with an Airport Extreme card and for the past year it has been running off a Telefónica ADSL router ( http://static.flickr.com/8/113803794c6d912455m.jpg ) and it has been running Wireless internet fine, until a few days ago, when the network disappeared and a new one appeared - one that doesn't work...
Every now and then, when I'm close to the ADSL router, the Wireless network appears again and the internet is fine. I know a couple of other people have been having similar problems, but does anyone know how to solve it?
Thanks a lot.
BTW, the Powerbook has a 1.5 Ghz PowerPC G4 processor.
Thanks again.
Powerbook G4 Mac OS X (10.4.5)

Could be conflicting networks your area.
Are your mac network preferences (airport) set to join a specific network (yours) or to connect automatically? If it automatic, I guess the presence of another network could confuse things and cause your mac to try connect to the other network, which may be secured and not allow a connection.
Try accessing the Web Configuration of your router (A quick google came up with this
IP Address: 192.168.1.1
Login: adslppp@telefonicanetpa Password: adslppp but it is not guaranteed to work with your specific model of router so you may have to do some digging.).
You may be able to customize the SSID of the router, change the channel its using etc. If so you could eliminate a network clash as whatever is the cause of your loss of connection.

Similar Messages

Airport problem on Kids account

I have a problem after reading the latest Macworld I decided to change the security settings on my airport. I changed it to WPA personal. Both my computer and the wife's iMac run fine with no airport problems.
My kids account though will not accept the airport network password. I have it written down and made sure I typed it in right everytime, but everytime I get a warning saying the password is incorrect. Yes the written password is the same as the network password.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Hi Quack,
What computer is your kids using?
I assume you are using the same password you used on your wife's iMac after you set up the WPA Personal Security?
Also, I assume you checked the password your are using here:
Airport Admin Utility, select your Airport, select Configure, click on Password in the top menu bar.....the password for this Airport will appear.
Please respond back I would like to help further.....
Powerbook G4 1.67 15", 1 gig ram, 128 vram, 80 gig harddrive Mac OS X (10.4.6) Powermac G3 266 mt, Dell 5150,ibook G4, 1 gig shuffle, epson printers, airport

ITunes 6.0.5 and Airport Problem

A short description of my recent problem is that iTunes 6.0.5 crashes my wireless connection when streaming music to my stereo via an Airport Express. The problem was repeatable and frequent. Reverting to iTunes 6.0.4 seems to make all the problems go away.
Before updating my MacBook recently to 10.4.7 from 10.4.6, and updating from iTunes 6.0.4 to 6.0.5, I updated my bootable system backup on an external Firewire drive, first repairing permissions.
After updating my MacBook, everything associated with the Airport Express seemed to function perfectly, except I had massive problems with attempting to stream music from iTunes. When first choosing in iTunes to connect to the external wireless target, music would begin playing and then my entire airport connection would dispappear within seconds. The menu bar throughput icon would go from 4 bars to nothing and my network SSID would disappear from the drop down. After toggling the airport on and off for a while, along with toggling the iTunes external/internal target control, I could eventually finagle a stable connection, which would last for maybe 15 minutes at a time. Then the connection would drop.
I happened to be one of the early 10.4.7 upgraders who used the non-combo updater, so when Apple announced that files were missing from the delta updater, I downloaded the new version and repeated the upgrade (successfully, indicated by the suffix on the new build number). Again a perfectly stable wireless connection through the 133 MB download; wireless works fine as long as iTunes is not involved.
The problem persisted after the 10.4.7 re-upgrade. I then tried booting from my external drive backup, into 10.4.6 and iTunes 6.0.4. The problem went away.
I then restored iTunes 6.0.4 from my backup to my internal drive, replacing 6.0.5. So far, everything is working perfectly again, with iTunes 6.0.4 under OS 10.4.7.
The airport problem seemed to be entirely on the MacBook side, not the Airport Express, since I never saw the Airport light change from green and the displayed connection time has stayed at x days and counting across all the times the airport connection disappeared, including when booted from the external drive.
So based on my experience, it would appear that there is a problem with iTunes 6.0.5. Anyone else see similar behavior or, conversely, can confirm that they are successfully streaming from a configuration similar to a MacBook through an Airport Express with iTunes 6.0.5 and OS 10.4.7?
MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Just to bring closure to this thread, I am now successfully using iTunes 6.0.5 with OS 10.4.7: the problems I reported have disappeared.
Contrary to my original post, with more use I saw some drop-out problems with 6.0.4, though far less severe than with 6.0.5.
It occurred to me that maybe what I was seeing was due to the iTunes app paging, but I could find no direct evidence of that.
It then happened that I began experiencing the random shutdown problem that some MacBook users have reported (many posts in the MacBook forum). I sent in my machine for repair.
In the few days since I received the repaired machine back, I have had no random shutdowns. I also noticed I had no iTunes wireless dropouts with 6.0.4. I then re-upgraded to 6.0.5. No problems have surfaced. The only other software change at the system level I have made is to update the SMC firmware, which makes the machine run cooler.
I have no explanation and speculation seems pointless. (The shutdown repair consisted of replacing the heat sink and top case; as far as I know, no involvement with airport components.) But I'm again a happy camper.

AirPort Problems [I know posted already, but read]

hey guys,
These AirPort problems are really really getting on people's nerves. 10.5.1 was perfect for most, and now after updating to .2, us .1 100% connection, the connection drops every couple of minutes.
I'm on a Macbook 2.2 (White), and so I have a question.
My connection is STABLE, doesn't drop or anything when connected to the MagSafe adapter. As soon as I unplug it, I lose my connection immediately. NOW, if I want to plug my MagSafe back in, my connection won't be stable anymore until I restart my system.
Is anyone else experiencing that?
So my question is, is there some sort of power settings for Airport (on the computer, not my router) that I can modify. Cause it seems that as soon as I disconnect my power adapter, AirPort goes crazy and does whatever it feels like.
*When I OPTION+Click on the AirPort button at the top:*
*MagSafe in - Transmit Rate: 54*
*MagSafe out - Transmit Rate: All over the place, 54, 48, 36 then 1, then drop connection.*
*Sometimes it's, 54 to 1 to drop connection.*
Hopefully Apple will read this and see that it is most likely some power settings that were modified by accident. I still don't know why everyone doesn't have problems. But of course, that's not the point. Getting an AirPort solution ASAP is
C'mon Apple!

I suggest that if you want a response from Apple - you ask them.
They don't officially monitor these posts. You should be legimately able to all support on an issue like this.
I don't see this on my MacBook Pro - right now it is showing a rate of 52 and is unplugged. It was 130 early today but when plugged in and in a different room.
Likely there is some attempt being made by the system to manage the power used by the peripheral devices - but it should not drop the connection.

Macbook airport problems linked to battery power?

I too have experienced the macbook/airport problem, specifically since 10.5.8 came back. When I upgraded to 10.5.8, it was so useless that I just reinstalled tiger. Then Snow leopard came out and I upgraded only to experience the same problem but not as severe.
I have just been able to pin/point the problem today (mainly because I just grew so frustrated and spent considerable time trying to figure out). I have tried all the other potential fixes posted on here to no avail (changes airport settings, replacing card, changing dynamic IP to manual, encryption etc).
This is what I have determined and was able to reproduce it:
When macbook is running on power (plugged in):
If battery power is below 60%, connection is spotty - the lower it is, the worst the problem.
If the battery power is above 60%, no problems at all, runs fast and no drops.
When macbook power is not plugged in and running on battery:
Below 60% almost useless
Above 60% spotty and worse as the battery drains
Can anyone else test this out? I've sent Apple an e-mail.

I've gone down to maybe 15% without any noticable difference in connection.

Hp4050tn connection through airport problems

Printer: HP4050TN
Computer: iMac 27" (2010) w/ OS 10.6.8
Wireless Router: Airport Extreme
Connection: Ethernet RJ45 printer to Airport
Problem: I have had this configuration since 5/2010, and a week ago for some reason the iMac would not connect with the printer. I have tried all the combinations I can think of, with reboots and restarts, to no avail. I have also tried a direct connection via ethernet to the iMac, but the print menu returns the same error, "Unable to connect to printer".
Any assistance will be greatly appreciated!

Let's double-check your Mac's Internet Sharing settings ...
To setup for Internet Sharing (Wired to Wireless):
Setup the Network
Cable Modem > (Ethernet cable) > \[Ethernet port] Mac > (wireless) > PS3
Enable Software Firewall
System Preferences > Security > Firewall
o Block all incoming connections (enabled)
Enable Internet Sharing
System Preferences > Sharing
o Select "Internet Sharing" from the options in the left column
o Share your connection from: Built-in Ethernet
o To computers using: AirPort (checked) (Note: Uncheck all other entries in the list.)
AirPort Options...
o Network Name: <anything you want>
o Channel: Automatic
o Enable encryption (using WEP) (optional)
o Password: (optional)
o Confirm Password: (optional)
o WEP Key Length: (optional)
o Click OK
o Select "Internet Sharing" again
o Click "Start" to start Internet Sharing
o Click Start

A possible workaround for C2D Airport problems?

A collegue advised the other day to download iStumbler, a free application that seems to sit and monitor all connections coming in your Airport, also for Bluetooth, Bonjour, etc.
Well, I did... and ever since this thing started to work seeing my Network wifi the airport bars has returned back to the maximum level and there has been no connection drops, re-connecting flawlessly after sleep.
Its funny also how iStumbler is able to see more Network wifis than the Airport menu: I see 2, sometimes 3 connections that I never saw on the Airport menu.
The signal is reported to be at 70% with a 13% noise. But working great!
Can someone with Airport problems try this solution and see if it works too? Maybe we are into something?
Regards,
-- Carlos

I had installed istumbler a couple of days ago it did seem to improve the signal for a period then the signal dropped back to the normal 4/5 bars.
After your post I started istumbler again and found there was an update the purports to solve signal problems with core 2 Duo macs.
I have updated and have full signal strength for last 5 minutes longer than ever before.
Fingers crossed

Airport Problem since 10.4.6

Ever since 10.4.6, I have had issue with airport. It always stays connected to my wireless network.
however, the internet will periodically stop working (happens several times a day very annoying). I have to turn off airport and turn it on again, to make internet start working again. This does not happen to my Powrbook and PC on the same network.
Any ideas? Thanks.

Sorry, this isn't a helpful reply, but I thought it might be worth pointing out that I have the same (or a very similar) problem.
I'm running a 20 inch Intel Mac, which prior to 10.4.6 suffered from that other horrible airport problem described under the 'Airport Speed Problem' threads on this forum. That has since been resolved by 10.4.6 (network speeds are normal). However, my iMac periodically loses the wireless network when I wake it up from sleep mode (I go from four bars to no signal). To get it back I usually have to switch off my airport card, put the iMac to sleep, power cycle the modem (cable) and router then start up the iMac again, and even this cumbersome routine doesn't work all of the time. I know this isn't a problem with my network because I have several other computers in the house that don't register any change or problem with signal levels or connectivity. My iBook, for example, which also runs 10.4.6 doesn't notice any change.
I'm surprised not to see more examples of this problem here, as when I spoke to a Mac genius about it, he said it was a 'known issue', though one more common to the Mac Minis. It has to be a hardware problem in my case. Maybe I need to get my airport express card checked out?
iMac 20" Core Duo Mac OS X (10.4.6)

AirPort problem after installing Security Update 2007-007

Help! I installed the security update 2007-007 on my Mac mini os x and now my AirPort is not detecting any signal. Should I backup the system and then reboot? I'm not really sure what to do. I have tried almost everything I can imagine. I checked through the user logs and all was functioning properly until the update installed. All of the settings for the network and internet connect say that they have failed.
Please help! I am not particularly familiar about backing up -- how do I do this? (please spell out for me, I'm really new to mac!)
Thanks in advance

Can't help with the airport problem, since I don't do wireless. As for backing up, these should get you pointed in the right direction:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106941
http://www.macmaps.com/upgradefaq.html
http://www.macmaps.com/backup.html
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/installswupdates.html
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/backuprecovery.html
Since you're a newcomer to the Mac, peruse these:
Switching from Windows to Mac OS X,
Basic Tutorials on using a Mac, and
MacTips Learning Centre.
Additionally, *Texas Mac Man* recommends:
Quick Assist.
Welcome to the Switch To A Mac Guides, and
A guide for switching to a Mac.

Airport problem 2

since apple closed the previous port related to airport problems , now noone can put their experiences, that i think it can help apple to see the problem we are experiencing here. please put all the details so apple will read this and arrive to a good idea of what's going on.
i have 2 mbp
1 2.33 ghz ,2gb, 120gb 10.5.1
2 2.0 ghz ,2gb, 120 gb 10.4.11
the laptop runing 10.4.11 is also aving issues with the wireless, so is not only the leopard one. now, i downgraded my 10.5.1 to 10.4.10 and i have no more wireless issues anymore with that laptop. so there's a problem in networking software design with 10.4.11 and 10.5 and 10.5.1 . that is what i experienced. i did not want to go back to windows, so i purchased a linux machine to survive junt in case apple will ..... but still have faith, just i'm waiting for months, like others are doing too.

There's another thread called "Airport Problem" that goes into extraordinary detail about the behavior he's experiencing. Since someone locked the thread it is now being pushed back by current updates to other threads, in this category, but I recommend going back and skimming the comments in that thread to get a better idea of what is going on. You can't miss it, it has 33,000 views and 530+ comments.
I have been experiencing similar wireless behavior. I installed Leopard 10.5.0 (as an update) and my wireless connections became intermittent: I would see the airport icon in the menu bar indicate full strength, a few seconds later the icon indicates zero (0) strength, and then the indicator shows full strength again. This happens about three to five times per minute, and makes real time tasks, like playing in a raid on a Warcraft server, appear to lag badly for a few seconds up to about three times a minute. My interim solution for this was to drape 50' of cat 5 from the router to my office and wire in. Worked well enough for me to get work done and let Apple take the time to identify and fix the problem.
I did eventually do a clean install of Leopard, but that did not clean up my wireless signal problem.
Here's the interesting news, however. I'm using someone else's wireless facility at this moment. That facility used the same wireless router I've been trying to use with Leopard at my normal office location without success. So, predictably, when I first tried to use the wireless router here, I was seeing the same problem. Then a couple hours later, that router's transmitter appears to have died, because nobody here was able to see it on the Airport list.
We replaced the dead router with a new one of the same make and model (different revision), but with a different third-party firmware package.
I now have a rock solid wireless connection. It no longer drops signal strength to zero three times per minute.
This leads me to conclude that while there is still a problem with code in Leopard that makes it not work with some wireless routers that worked fine with Tiger, it is entirely possible to work around the problem by installing a different 50 dollar wireless router. Take your machines and try (with permission!) to use different wireless connections to see if any work.
I notice that AP Grapher indicates another wireless access point using the same channel as the AP I'm attempting to use, and the app also shows my transmit rate dropping to zero periodically. Nevertheless, the wireless appears to work now. I'll be changing my own wireless access point shortly.

Another Airport problem. (Sorry if repetitive)

All I've read so far is Airport problems for users with 10.5... So that's how I justified me writing this post.
My sister's MacBook is running 10.4.10. When I boot it up, it holds a connection for about 30 seconds, then it loses connection. Our network isn't showing up at all. I have plugged it into an Ethernet and the connection is fine then. So, Airport issue? Help?

Nevermind. Turns out she hasn't let her computer update in quite some time. Figures.

PowerBook installation problems...

Anyone have any ideas on this G4 PowerBook installation problem. I haven't seen anything in any other threads about this...
I purchased a Leopard family pack a week and a half ago and the installation went without a hitch on my Intel Mac Mini. I thought I would give it a try on my G4 PowerBook... A week and a half later I am still trying...
Everytime I try the installation I get about a 1/4 of the way through and if I am lucky (?) a yellow triangle pops up and states that some of the system files were unable to copy onto the Macintosh HD (usually the system just freezes though. I have let it sit for 8+ hours and the progress bar does not move). I have read through the installation log and it has pages and pages of the same error "Unable to locate DB Handler 1". I have tried other installation methods thinking that the system did not like the "Upgrade" option. I have tried "archive and install" and "erase and install" and still nothing. I have even tried putting the Mac Mini in "Target Disc Mode" and installing via Firewire (thought maybe I had a finicky DVD drive in the PowerBook) but I get the same error everytime.
I called Apple that day after purchasing Leopard and after hours of being on hold I was told that the Leopard DVD I purchased is defective (kind of odd since the installation went perfect on the Mac Mini). Apple is supposed be sending me a new DVD but I am still waiting (it has been a week and a half and 2 more calls later).
Anyone have any ideas?

Me and my friend have PowerBooks and we both had this problem too! im almost positive the disc isnt defective because mine has worked great on other computers too. Anyways i found a solution to this problem. Restart your PowerBook holding "T" then it will go into Firewire mode. Connect a firewire cable to the Mac mini and a hard drive should show up on the desktop of the Mac Mini (thats your PowerBook hard drive)
Put the Leopard Install DVD in the Mac mini and proceed to install
When install location screen shows up make sure to choose the PowerBook Note: if you dont usually it will default to the other computer and that will clear your hard drive.
Then start installing after this you shouldnt have any problems.
When the computer starts up it will show up on your Mac Mini display all you have to do is shutdown the Mac Mini and Powerbook and disconnect the cord. thats it! Good Luck
Austin

IBook Sleep/airport problems

I'm having some problems with the sleep function on my iBook since updating to Tiger. I am currently running 10.4.2, and neither of the updates has fixed it.
Here is what's happening:
When running on battery, it will go to sleep normally, both by closing the lid and by by using the apple menu. It wakes from sleep fine and connects to my airport normally.
The problem comes when running off the power adapter.
The machine will not go to sleep, either by closing the lid or using the apple menu. The screen will go black, the pulsing light next to the lid latch will come on for a second, then i hear the drive starting back up, and the light stops pulsing and the screen comes back on.
The main problem is that when this happens, my airport will not come back on. when i try to mouse over the menu bar icon, i get an endless spinning beachball. Try to go to network preferences, same thing.
Everything else works and runs fine. The only way to fix the airport problem is with a restart (sometimes taking a "hard" restart of holding down the power button).
I've only had this problem since upgrading to tiger, and have tried changing the pwer management settings around, but i still get the same thing.
any help?
thanks
r.

well, after doing a huge search for it, for the past few months, i've been unable to come up with a solution. it's rather frustrating, as i use my iBook as my main machine, complete with iCurve stand and Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for easier portability. I'd like to put the thing to sleep when i'm not around, and have everything work when i open it back up.
I finally, today, did something that seems to have fixed it. After trying multiple things such as moving the systemconfig folder and repairing permissions, nadda.
Then i tried to figure out what might be keeping the machine active when i tried to put it to sleep. i checked all of the running processes, and the only thing that i could come up with was my BT keyboard and mouse.
I went into the bluetooth preference pane and unchecked the "allow devices to wake machine".
this seems to have solved my problem, as i've closed the lid, put the iBook to sleep, and woke it up all without airport or other problems since.
i'm a very happy camper.
I don't know why this just started happening since updating to tiger, and i don't know why it wasn't a problem when running off the battery, but it's fixed now.
I don't know if you use BT stuff on your G5, but it's worth a shot.
r.

Wifi (Airport) problems with 1.67Ghz Powerbook

My Powerbook gives me problems on wireless networks. It starts off with a full signal which starts dropping after about 3 - 5 minutes, and then suddenly shoots up again to full and sometimes cuts out completely and then comes back to full signal.
The computer is in the same room as the router and there are no problems with the router as all my other wireless devices work fine, even in different rooms.
Is there maybe a driver or firmware update for the built in airport card that needs updating ?
The computer is a 2005/2006 model Powerbook G4 1.67Ghz 2GB DDR, 15" LCD with 80Gb hard drive, airport extreme and running OSX Leopard 10.5.8.

Hello,
Do you have other wireless devices connected to this wireless router?
If you do, then do those devices have the same issues?
I suspect the problem could be related to the channel your wireless router is set on. Try changing the channel to something like 7 or 8. See if that provides you with a solution.
This has happened to me in the past, where the computer would work fine for an hour and then suddenly drop connection. On changing the wireless channel improved my signal.
Best of luck

Powerbook G4 Airport Problem

Hi, I have had my Powerbook G4 for about 3 1/2 months and loved until the last week. I connect to my wireless router using the airport in my Powerbook, but the last week when the Powerbook is closed and re-opened or when it goes to sleep mode and then comes out, the airport signal is still strong, but I lose my internet connection.
I have done everthing that I have found in discussions, and no fix so far. Can anyone help, or is my next move to put the Powerbook on eBay and call it a $2500 loss? Apple will not help because I am past my 90 day technical support and they want me to pay an additional $349 for their Apple Care!
HELP!!

Here are the two things that I do after the laptop wakes:
1) Restart the computer. That works everytime, but I'd rather not have to do this everytime.
2) I go to LOCATION then NETWORK PREFERENCES and then select AIRPORT. When I get to this, I then run the diagnostics to try and repair my wireless connection. This works about 1 out of every 5 times.
My wireless connection is the only one that it is trying to connect to, as my airport is just showing the one connection available.
I appreciate the information and help that anyone can offer. I will be getting the Apple Care, I figure with the hundreds of dollars I spend each month on other forms of insurance, why not spend a little on this baby!

Powerbook airport problems

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for