Reading the AirPort Extreme configuration...

AirPort Extreme: 7.4.1
AirPort Utility: 5.4.2
OS X Version: 10.5.7
When using AirPort Utility of my 2.33 GHz MacBook Pro I get a long wait (either Manual or Continue) while the pinwheel spins next to "Reading the AirPort Extreme configuration..." After about 5 mintes a get a dialog box
"An error occurred while reading the configuration.
Make sure your Apple wireless device is plugged in and in range of your computer or connected via Ethernet and try again. (-6753)"
The Airport Extreme shows up in Finder, but I cannot access it. I'm connected to the internet just fine (I'm posting this).
Any ideas how I get to actually access the AEBS? I've read other threads on this (they're old and closed) but did not see a conclusion.
Regards,
John

Just went through the same thing myself. Set everything up, it worked like a charm, then I clicked on this innocent little button: Allow setup over WAN. I unchecked it because I don't want to allow WAN connections to configure my router, thank you very much.
However, what that checkbox really means is, "You are screwed, you can never configure your router ever again, regardless of whether you are connecting over the WAN, the wireless network or even the LAN (direct ethernet connection).
The other thing I discovered while researching this is, If you want to reset the router as you will absolutely HAVE TO DO to get around this problem once you've clicked and saved that one setting, and you have a blinking amber light, and holding the reset button for minutes doesn't appear to have any effect, what you do is: unplug the router, push the reset button and hold it, plug in the router while holding the reset button. 5 or so seconds later you will get a quick flashing amber like and you have successfully reset it.
Now I need to figure out how to file a bug to Apple. I assume this is a bug. It's a huge security whole and I am really ****** off about it.

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AirPort Utility hangs on "Reading the AirPort Extreme configuration"

Our main router is our AirPort Extreme. We have two other AirPort expresses on the WDS. Everything was working fine till tonight. All the computers can connect with the router and with each other, but the AirPort Extreme doesn't want to connect to the internet or let the AirPort Utility connect to it. When you click on it for either Auto or Manual config, it just hangs with the message, "Reading the AirPort Extreme configuration". After a while it will time out and say, "An error occurred while reading the configuration." I've tried connecting with both a MBP over wifi and a G5 tower via ethernet. Same result each time. Finally I did a factory reset on the thing. After a while of reconnecting I was able to load up a saved .baseconfig file and reinstall it onto the APExtreme. The AirPort freaked out again. It still gives out IPs and routes network traffic, but it wont connect to the internet and it wont let me connect to it via AirPort Utility.
Any ideas?
Message was edited by: kidhack
Message was edited by: kidhack

Check the firmware of the airport, versus the software of the airport utility on the computers in question, the 2 should match reasonably; the latest of the 2 are airport utility 5.4.1, and firmware 7.4.1. So for instance if you have airport utility 5.4.1 and airport firmware 7.4 the 2 will not read correctly and may hang in random spots, or give you other weird problems. Assuming this does not fix it connect the airport directly to the computer through one of the LAN ports and configure it that way

Stuck on "Reading the airport extreme configuration"

Strange problem here. I have an AEBS with a Win7 PC and my Mac Pro connected to it, sharing a USB printer. All good until yesterday when I needed to troubleshoot a printer problem and tried to verify settings on the AEBS via my Mac Pro. It won't allow me in, just says "Reading the airport extreme configuration"... I let this go on for over 30 mins.
I tried restarting from Airport Utility. No luck.
I tried unplugging it, then waiting, then plugging it back in. No change.
I tried re-setting it using a paper clip. No change, but...
Airport Utility popped up on the Win 7 PC, and it allowed me in, no problemo. I restored and then verified my settings, etc.
But on my Mac, I can't get in. Any insights would be much appreciated.
Thanks

Add me to the list of users who are having the same problem. We are a school district that has 125 airports in 6 buildings. 70 of them are the new Airport Extreme Dual Band units. Of the 70 new units, 18 are having this problem.
"File -> Configure Other" does not change the behavior of the 18 unresponsive units. They can be programmed after a factory reset, and sometimes connected to shortly after the initial "Update" but after few hours, they cannot be accessed anymore.
I have been in contact with Apple support. Their only solution was to shrug their shoulders and tell me to start replacing them. After replacing 2, I had the same problems with 1 of the two replacements.
Something that may also be related. We have occasional short term power outages (3 seconds or less). After an outage like that, a significant number of the airports will reject clients until they (the airports) are properly rebooted.
Sounds like they need to fix the firmware.
Message was edited by: JasonBolbach

Is there a way to automatically backup the Airport Extreme Configuration file (.baseconfig)?

Is there a way to automatically backup the Airport Extreme Configuration file (.baseconfig).
I know (in hindsight) that I can manually export it from the Airport Utility, but ideally I would like to include it in my Time Machine backup. I had a situation where my Airport Extreme (3rd generation) just stopped working (no lights, no power). I had not exported the config file. I bought a new Airport Extreme (5th generation) and had to manually configure the new router.
Thanks

One option would be to use Automator and record the actions to run the AirPort Utility; save the configuration file to the desktop (or any other location you want), and then, close the utility. You can then either make this a part of your login startup programs. Time Machine then should be able to make backups.

Can't read the airport express configuration

hi there,
i've got an AIPORT EXPRESS (b/g) V 6.3, which has been working marvellously for 4 year, with 3 different laptop ( powerbook, macbook pro and PC).
since last week end, my connection on internet was really slow (with the ethernet cable the connection is really fast as usual).
So I've reseted it. then reconfigure it. no problem.
then this saturday my girl friend couldn't see the network on her PC.
so I've resetted it again!
since then my macbook pro see it, also my airport utility, but it can't connect to it....
airport utility says :reading the airport express configuration... and nothing !!!!
EDIT: also iTunes can't see the AE anymore...
i just don't know what to do.
thank you for your solution
(hope my english not to bad)
Message was edited by: Relaxxx
Message was edited by: Relaxxx

Hello Relaxxx. Welcome to the Apple Discussions!
Although I know you have tried several resets, please try another "factory default" reset to get the AirPort Express Base Station (AX) back to its original factory configuration so that we can administer it.
After resetting it, connect your MacBook Pro directly, using an Ethernet cable, to the Ethernet port of the AX, and then, run the AirPort Utility to configure it. Where you able to access it now?
Once configured, you can disconnect the Ethernet cable. Using the AirPort Status icon in the menu bar, verify that you are connected to the AX's wireless network. Are you now able to both find it and connect from the icon?
Once you verified that you can access the AX, both via wire and wirelessly from the Mac, try the PC.

Is the original iPad capable of configuring the airport extreme 5th gen?

How to set up hdd with airport extreme with iPad?

Is the original iPad capable of configuring the AirPort Extreme 5th Gen?
Yes, using AirPort Utility for the iPad.
AirPort Utility for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad on the iTunes App Store
How to set up hdd with airport exreme with iPad
You do not set up a hard drive with the iPad, you set up a hard drive using Disk Utility on your Mac. Make sure that the hard drive is formatted in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) before you connect it to the USB port on the AirPort Extreme.
If you want to access data on the hard drive from the iPad, you will need an App like Filebrowser.
FileBrowser - Access files on remote computers for iPhone, iPod ...

Importing Snow Configuration to the Airport Extreme Base station

Is it possible to import the Snow's airport saved 'base config' and 'access control list' files to the Airport Extreme Base Station when setting up the extreme? I'm considering upgrading my wireless system. I have 4 XPs and 4 Macs and would prefer not to have to re-enter any of this data or loose any downtime reconfiguring all my computers.

As far as I am aware this is not possible.
However if you configure the Airport Extreme BEFORE you turn off the Snow the downtime should be minimal.
From a security perspective, unless you have Macs running 10.2 or earlier and/or your PC wireless adapters don't support it, all you really need to do is implement WPA for a secure wireless network.
Personally to avoid potential issues I would create a completely new wireless network with a new network name. Some clients have issues with joining a new wireless network with the same network name as a previous network, especially one with a password.
iFelix

How to configure the airport extreme as wireless bridge?

how can i configiure the airport to function as a wireless bridge?
i have connected my airport now with a wire to the modem/router delivered by the local internetprovider (THomson DWG850).
Since this device has not much reach I want to connect the airport extreme wireless and position in the living room to have better reach?
or do i need toc hang the settings in the Thomson? does anyone know where to find the admin password of the Thomson?
thanks in advance
Eric

how can i configiure the airport to function as a wireless bridge?
Sorry, but it is not possible to configure the AirPort Extreme for this type of setup. You will need to connect the AirPort Extreme to the Thomson router using an Ethernet connection.
does anyone know where to find the admin password of the Thomson?
Google turned this up in 5 seconds. There may be others if you look.
Thomson default passwords

How do I set up a Netgear WNR3500 as wireless extender with the Airport Extreme as my main router?

I just got the Airport Extreme yesterday because the Netgear couldn't hold all the computers we had on it. Now the Apple router works great, except for it is downstairs in the basement because our home computer is ancient and only connects via ethernet cord. So the Wi-Fi upstairs is only one bar on my smart phone way in the corner far from the router. I did some research and found out that the Netgear WNR3500 can be used as a wireless extender. I want to hook it up on the main floor away from the Airport where the signal is strong so it will still get great connection but will be able to transmit that same great connection a little bit farther. I just want to know how to do that.
Thank You!

The Netgear WNR3500 has mixed reviews at best and their customer support is unformly regarded as poor.
Interesting how different people have different experiences - although I never needed their tech support, so I would not have an opinion on that, this wireless router was the absolute best router I've ever had. I had to stop using it because I changed ISP's and was forced to use their modem/router combination (nothing else will work with their new V-DSL service); however, I've kept the router in case I should need to use it as an extender (which I haven't). In any case, unlike D-Link, Belkin, or Link-Sys which would at most give me one bar in my livingroom and the signal would cut out intermittently (livingroom is 50 ft from study), the Netgear showed all the bars and was steady as a rock. Configuring it with MAC filtering on their website was much easier than my current one as well.

How do I add a guest network to existing airport extreme configuration?

I have an existing Airport Extreme configuation in my home Wifi network and I want to add a guest access point. When I open the recently updated airport utilities, the screen no longer looks the way it used to, with the side bar on the left and my devices listed there for me to select (I also have an Airport Express). I used to be able to select the Airport Extreme from the left side bar, then hit continue to change any settings. Well now, since it updated, the screen looks different, with internet at the top, pointing to the Airport Extreme, then the Airport Express. When I select the Airport Extreme, it no longer gives me the option to change the settings for it, which is where my problem lies! Any help? I know it's probably something very simple that I am missing, but I'm at a loss.

Why would I download a lower version of AirPort Utility?
To gain more functionality.....since AirPort Utility 6.0 is otherwise known as "AirPort Utility Lite" on the forums. It's a "first try" for Apple with a new look. While it does look nice, it has been downgraded as far as the features are concerned.
For example, if you open AirPort Utility 5.6 and click on the AirPort Extreme on the left, your Generation version will be displayed on the right side of the page. There are many more advanced settings available in AirPort Utility 5.6 as well...that are not available on 6.0.
But, you don't have to install AirPort Utility 5.6 if you don't want to. I suggested it because it offers more features and will also look exactly the same as the AirPort Utility that you have used previously.
If your AirPort Extreme is in Bridge Mode, this indicates that you have another device...probably a modem/router....which is acting as the main router on your network. Bridge Mode is the correct setting for the AirPort Extreme in this case.
If you can post back with the make and model number of your "modem", we can check to confirm.
Unfortunately, the Guest Network cannot be enabled unless you configure the AirPort Extreme to be the "main" router on your network, which is likely not possible. If you try to configure the AirPort Exteme otherwise, you will receive error messages and the network will not function correctly.

Ordered the Airport Extreme Base Station - some questions if you can help?

I have a Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit IBM ThinkPad T500 laptop I need to connect, and a Windows Vista PC. The ThinkPad has a built-in wirless N card and the Vista has a Belkin N+ USB wireless adapter. Can these both find and connect to the Airport without me installing any software (Bonjour etc) on them?
Since they are using the N+ wireless cards, will they connect to the Airport at 2GHZ or 5GHZ speed? If they can connect at either speed, what controls that?
I also have a MACPro desktop. I was hoping to configure my airport using it and hoped not to have to worry about configuring the other 2 pcs.
My old router was a Belkin n+ 2GHz router. Could I use that router as a repeater with the Airport. How can I do that?
Thanks for any help on these questions.

Welcome to the discussions, Michael!
I can't help on your Windows / PC related questions, but can offer some input on the last two questions.
+"I also have a MACPro desktop. I was hoping to configure my airport using it and hoped not to have to worry about configuring the other 2 pcs."+
You will use AirPort Utility to configure the AirPort Extreme. It should already be on your Mac. Check Hard Drive > Applications > Utilties > AirPort Utility. This will also come on the installation CD.
+"My old router was a Belkin n+ 2GHz router. Could I use that router as a repeater with the Airport. How can I do that?"+
In order to "extend" a wireless network created by the AirPort Extreme(n), you would need another AirPort Extreme, an AirPort Express, or a Time Capsule. The Belkin would not be compatible with an Apple base station for this purpose.
If you connected an ethernet cable from the AirPort Extreme or used a pair of ethernet powerline adapters, then you could possibly configure the Belkin to create a wireless network, but unless it was 5 GHz capable, you would not be able to mimic the 5 GHz "main" network that the Extreme would be creating.

HT1218 After a recent iTunes update attempt iTunes no longer functions and the airport extreme base station is not accessable on our computer. We still have wifi but cannot access the base station software.

After a recent iTunes update attempt iTunes no longer functions and the airport extreme base station is not accessable on our computer. We still have wifi but cannot access the base station software.

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the response. I tried that approach this evening and it didn't work for me. (Technically it worked for me, when I was hardwired into my base station, but would not work for me wirelessly, which is my main issue.)
Again, using the approach you recommended works only if I have my ethernet cable attached to the LAN port so my computer is communicating directly to the base station through the hard wire. I am able to scan for my base station and make setting adjustments normally this way too.
As soon as I disconnect from the LAN port and try to go wireless is where I run into problems. The Base Station's wireless network I created is available to choose in the top right corner of the monitor with all of the other available wireless devices/networks -- but the network I created does not have access to the internet. I am also unable to configure my Base Station wirelessly. When my Airport Utility tries to scan for the Base Station and Network, it cannot find any Apple Wireless Device. It's like the Wireless Network in my base station is not sending out a signal.
Is there a way to resolve this issue?

Airport extreme configuration problem with Netgear DG834PN

Good morning,
I have a problem. I bought an AEBS via the WAN port to connect to my Netgear DG834PN.
I turned off the WiFi on the Netgear, I connected the AEBS in bridge mode, but with the iMac and other iDevice there are no problems.
On the contrary my Acer Travelmate (Win 7) does not want to connect ... fact is connected, the card tells me that is connected and has access to the internet, but does not show mewhen I browse any web page, Skype does not connect ...
Do you have suggestions for configuring the Netgear or dell'AEBS?

The Windows Firewall may be blocking the connection attempt. I have not used Windows 7, but on an XP machine, the Firewall settings are in the Control Panel. Check to see if this might be the case so you can "Allow" an "Exception".
The anti-virus software may also be blocking the connection. You may need to turn it off for the configuration, then turn it back on.
It will often help to try to configure the device using Ethernet, not wireless. Connect a spare Ethernet cable from your PC to one of the LAN <-> ports on the AirPort Extreme. Restart both the PC and AirPort Extreme, then open AirPort Utility again.
If still no luck, click the AirPort Utility File menu at the upper left hand corner of the screen and select Configure Other. Enter 10.0.1.1 into the address box and "public" (without the quotes) in the password box.

How do I prevent the Airport Extreme router from dropping with DSL when a call comes in?

I just installed a new Aiport Extreme 802.11n router. I am using DSL and it works great until someone calls me. When the phone rings and my answering machine answers the call the router drops and start flashing amber.My old router did not have this problem. Is there an option I can set that will prevent the router from dropping when someone calls me?

The AirPort Extreme should be configured to "create a wireless network" with the same WiFi network name, security type (usually WPA2 Personal) and password as your existing router. It should be configured as connection type Ethernet and be in bridge mode.

Can I set the MTU size for the Airport Extreme?

Can I change the MTU size setting of the Airport? How would this be possible? In my Linksys router I was able to change this.

Since the AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS) does not modify the packets in any way. So as neptune2000 stated, there is no MTU setting. Whatever MTU your computer broadcasts with is unchanged by the AEBS.
You will need to configure the MTU on the computer sending the packets.

Reading the AirPort Extreme configuration...

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