Thank you for the responses. Really appreciate it. I have resolved the problem. No doubt carelessness played a role... This is what I learnt and perhaps this helps other newby's too. This applies to the stand alone mode of update with the extender connected directly to the computer.
I CAREFULLY reinstalled the previous version firmwares to the remote and the extender. It worked. Then I CAREFULLY reinstalled the latest firmware to both items and it worked!
The problem was not following exactly the instructions for the of the extender update. After the firmware is loaded to the extender the instruction is to move the switch from position 2 to 1 which restarts the extender. When I first did the update I skipped that and simply removed the power supply. Follow these steps to ensure the end of the update works: 1. Follow the update instructions exactly! 2. After the update is complete and before disconnecting the extender from the config cable and the power move the switch from position 2 to position 1. Wait for the LEDS to settle down to a steady green. 3. Move the switch from network to stand alone and wait for the LEDS to settle to steady green. 4. Test to ensure the remote connects to the extender. 5. Reinstall the extender and in my case everything was back to normal.
I hope this helps some other careless sucker like me!
