Time Capsule Firmware Update 7.4.1 issues

Apple released last friday a firmware update 7.4.1 for all 802.11n-based AirPort Extreme and AirPort Express base stations, as well as for all Time Capsules.

I have a Time Capsule and an Airport Express (not early 2009 but the older model) so I decided to give it a try. I am usually reluctant to install new updates when things works well, but the new feature to enable remote administration and remote access to compatible USB connected drives via Back to My Mac interested me. Note that you need to be a mobile me subscriber to use it.

As soon as I installed the update on my Time Capsule, the wifi 802.11n network 5 Ghz stopped working. Can’t see my wireless network anymore… I had to revert back to the previous version of the firmware and everything went back as it was.

Other users have reported the same issue on forums, probably it only affects older versions of Time Capsules and Airport Extremes. Looks like Apple has not tested this update on their older devices. Funny. You may want to revert to version 7.3.2 while waiting for Apple to release a bug fix possibly in version 7.4.2.

To revert back to an older version of the firmware, follow this guide :

1. Open Airport Utility (in Applications->Utilities), make sure you have version 5.4.1.

2. Select the device you want to downgrade :

3. From the top menu, select Base Station -> Upload Firmware …

4. Choose the firmware version you want to install :

Wait for the device to reboot.

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