Problems with AirPort and WPA access point

Question

Okay, I have done quite a bit of research and I still cannot resolve my problem because of this, I am turning to this user community.
Here is what I know as of right now:
I am running Windows OS X 10.4.4 with AirPort Update 2005-001. My Access Point is a 3COM 8250.
The AP is setup not to broadcast its SSID, to use WPA-TKIP (or in Apple terminology, WPA Personal) and the password is set to use alphanumeric.
When I try to connect my PowerBook with the SSID name, WPA Personal and the correct password, I get the following error:
The password you entered is not correct for the Airport network *******.
To troubleshoot here are the test I have run and their outcomes:
Test
- Result
Set the AP to completely open
- Connected
Set the AP to open, didn't broadcast the SSID
- Connected
Set the AP to WEP, broadcast the SSID
- Connected
Set the AP to WEP, didn't broadcast the SSID
- Connected
Set the AP to WPA & WEP, broadcast the SSID
- WEP : Connected
- WPA : Not Connected
Set the AP to WPA & WEP, didn't broadcast SSID
- WEP:Connected
- WPA:Not Connected
Set the AP to WPA only
- Not Connected.
Now, I should mention that when I was running 10.3.3 I could not connect either. The AP is running the newest firmware and I have three Windows XP SP2 laptops / workstations that can connect with no problems.
I have tried to find a compatibility matrix on both 3COM's and Apple's websites to see if it might be a compatibility issue but I have not been able to find one on either site.
Any help that anyone could provide would be greatly appreciate.
Thanks in advance.
17" PowerBook G4   Mac OS X (10.4.4)  

Answer 1

Hello MisssAsh. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
It's always a good idea to do a complete power recycle when changing network configurations.
Try the following, in order, checking for Internet access after each step, until resolved:
1. If the modem has a reset switch, use it to reset the modem. Wait at least 5-10 minutes for the modem to initialize.
2. Remove power from the modem. If it has a backup battery, remove this as well. Wait 5-10 minutes. Replace the battery, and add power back to the modem.
3. Perform a complete power recycle of your network components as follows:
Modem/Router Power Recycling - Quick
o Power-off the modem, AirPort Express Base Station (AX), & computer(s); Wait at least 5 minutes.
o Power-on the modem; Wait at least 5 minutes.
o Power-on the AX; Wait at least 5 minutes.
o Power-on the computer(s)
If this fails to get the modem to "recognize" the Internet router, then try the "Full" version.
Modem/Router Power ReCycling - Full
o Power-off the modem, AX, & computer(s). (Wait at least 30 minutes. If possible, leave the modem off overnight.)
o Power-on the modem; Wait at least 15 minutes.
o Power-on the AX; Wait at least 5 minutes.
o Power-on the computer(s)
4. Contact your ISP to have them perform a "modem reset."