Here is the dilemma.

I just had purchased an AirPort Express and I have been having trouble configuring it to work in unison with my AirPort Extreme Base Station.

After all the attempts of trying to get the AirPort Express, the AirPort Extreme is at default settings. (Apple Network f17b8a) The problem now is that the AirPort Extreme Base Station is not appearing in the AirPort Admin Utility, yet I am able to connect to the Internet and see the Extreme Base Station in the Network Connections field. This happens to be the case when the Ethernet cord is plugged into the LAN line. (Meaning, I am able to see both the AirPort Extreme and the AirPort Express in the Admin Utility post Soft Restore of the Extreme Base Station when the Ethernet cord is NOT plugged in.)

(I have upgraded AirPort for Mac to version 4.0.1 as suggested via: software update.)

Would anyone have any insight as to how to get my Base Station to appear in my AirPort Utility Admin and get the AirPort Express to work in unison with the Extreme Base Station?

Note: When the AirPort Setup Assistant is run it informs me to use the AirPort Utility Admin, as it doesn’t support configuration of Base Stations not running on Automated DHCP, however as far as remember it was configured to use DHCP. (See attached picture.)

Note: When the AirPort Express Assitant is run, it informs me that it cannot communicate with the Extreme Base Station. (See attached picture.)

Available Networks: (Extreme present, Express absent)

Empty AirPort Utility Admin:

Error Encountered During Base Station Set-Up:

Error Encountered During Express Set-Up:


I’d appreciate any insight. Thanks.

P.S. You can see photographs of the packaging and stuff, if you haven't already at: http://homepage.mac.com/michael.baran

I would recommend using the reset button on the Airport express/extreme. Then, use the Airport Assistant that was included on the CD to set it up.

If you try and configure it without the assistant first it can cause problems.

1. Unplug the AX.
2. Reset the AE and enable WDS
3. Configure the AE for internet and whatever you want it to do.
4. Plug in the AX and attach it to your mac with an ethernet cable (I did it this way, it should work via wireless)
5. Enable WDS on the AX

Notes:

You ONLY need the 'Airport Admin Utility.app' Not the AE/AX Setup Wizards.
If you cant get the AE to show up in the airport admin utility, use an ethernet cable see if it works that way.
You can reset both devices via the hardware if you cant connect to them with the software.

I never used it for mine, and it works fine, but it probably wont hurt anything if you use it first.

It appears that when I change my Base Station name and Network name it no longer appears in the Utility.

I did a restore on the base station, again... and upon restart of the system it disappears from the Utility Admin.

Does it show up if you attach it with ethernet?

When it doesn't show up does it still work?

Try using the included software, so the Pre 4.1 (or 4.01?) update. 4.0.0.

When you connect via Ethernet, it doesn't allow internet access (If you go under network status it doesn't change from yellow.)

When it doesn't show up under the Admin, it still does work. However it would be nice to configure, as it is meant to be.

I tried the included software and did the update as well. No go.

I am taking my PowerBook in to the Apple Store along with my Extreme and the Express. I am thinking that the Express, by chance might be damaged, but who knows. We will see tomorrow.

Thank you all for your help. I'll inform you what went down, tomorrow.

Take Care.

So, I'm at the North Michigan Apple Store and a Genius named Chuck configured it all... It works at the Apple Store. What he did, I have no clue.

Next I get to go home and see if it works over there.

I don't know if any one else experienced hardships while getting the AirPort Express configured. I don't know if there is any problem in the documentation how how to reset the Express, however instead of the route expressed on the FAQ, you are to just hold the reset button for 10 seconds, etc. That seemed to solve the problems.

Just thought I'd give the heads-up, if anyone was interested.