AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001 Special Report: Cannot connect to wireless router/AirPort Base station

CNET staff

Sept. 2, 2009 12:57 a.m. PT

3 min read

Some user are reporting an issue where their AirPort Base stations or third-party wireless routers cannot be recognized at all by built-in AirPort hardware after AirPort Extreme Update 2007-001.

This issue may be soluble through the following workarounds, adapted from our wireless troubleshooting tutorial:

Delete all "Preferred Network" listings then re-establish One surprisingly effective AirPort Base station-specific fix for an inability to connect to wireless networks involves deleting all stored preferred networks, then re-establishing any used listings. Here's the process:

Open System Preferences and select the "Network" pane
Select "AirPort" and click "Configure"
In the "By default, join:" pull-down menu, select "Preferred networks"
Delete the network(s) you regularly use from the list
Launch the "Keychain Access" application located in Applications/Utilities.
Click on the "Kind" filter at the top, and look for "AirPort network password" entries. Delete them.
Restart, or log out then back in.
Repeat steps 1-3, this time re-adding your regularly used AirPort networks to the list using the " " button.
Restart or log out then back in.

Turn "Distribute IP Addresses" off The problem may be attempted distribution of IP addresses from the AirPort Extreme Base Station, resulting in a conflict with the distribution of IP addresses from the DSL/Cable modem -- a situation which can be fixed by using the AirPort Admin Utility to turn "Distribute IP Addresses" off.

Select "Make Changes to existing AirPort Base Station When you experience an issue where the desired wireless network looks as though it is accessible (through the AirPort menu item or the Internet Connect application), but delivers the message "There was an error joining (name of network), the most commonly successful workaround is to open the AirPort Setup Assistant (located in Applications/Utilities), then click "Make changes to existing AirPort Base Station". You will be prompted for your WEP or WPA password if one exists. After saving the settings -- even if no actual changes were made -- AirPort access is restored in some cases.

"Keep Looking for recent networks" In some cases, selecting "Keep looking for recent networks" in the Network pane of System Preferences can resolve an inability to connect to local networks.

Get the update off your Mac Finally, failing the above, try one of our methods for uninstalling AirPort Extreme 2007-001 to restore router/Base station recognition.

Reader reports

MacFixIt reader Anne Patchett writes:

"After I downloaded the new updates sent out yesterday, I have not been able to connect to my network. At first I was able to shut off the computer and then turn it back on and get a connection, however now I am not able to get a connection at all. There is no way for me to turn off and on my base station."

Another reader writes:

"After installing this update I can no longer connect to my Qwest 2Wire wireless router. It worked fine before but now it refuses to connect at all. If I try to set up a new connection with Network Assistant it tells me that my password is invalid. The password is a 10 digit number that comes with the wireless router, so can't be incorrect."

Craig Bunch adds:

"After doing the AirPort Extreme update posted, I can no longer connect to my 2Wire modem at all. I get the "There was an error joining the network 2Wire". How can I fix it. My G5 tower works great but did not take the update as it is not an Intel. My MacBook however is a victim. It will not connect at all. Tried the Airport setup utility but no help there. I am asked for my user and password but still get the error."

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