AirPort Extreme, Express firmware: Problems after updating; Not showing in Software Update

On Monday, December 20th, Apple released firmware updates for both AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme Base Stations (6.1.1 and 5.5.1, respectively).

Of interesting note is that neither update is available through Software Update, though standalone Web downloads are posted.

A handful of readers have also noted some issues after installing the updates. MacFixIt reader Matt Mendelow writes:

"My Airport Express no longer works correctly. I applied the 6.1.1 update. And afterwards, the previous configuration was absent, as expected after a firmware update. However, I was then no longer able to use the Airport Admin or Setup Assistant tool to configure it correctly. I could initially connect and reset the configuration for my network but after that, was no longer able to use either tool to maintain the Express. In addition, the LED just flashes orange even though I can see via my router that it's grabbed a DHCP address as it's supposed to. Connecting from iTunes no longer works either. Am stumped. Have tried updating the firmware again to no avail as well as several hard resets."

If you are having a similar issue, please let us know.

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