Sony Support

Firmware Update

    Applicable Models
    About this download
    System Requirements
    File Info
    Preparation
    Download & Install
    Questions & Answers

    IMPORTANT: This file is only for use with the models identified. Not all models are sold in all countries.

    This information is for the following models:

    • NW-E002
    • NW-E002F
    • NW-E003
    • NW-E003F
    • NW-E005
    • NW-E005F

    About this download

    Benefits and improvements

    This program updates the Network Walkman™ portable audio player firmware to version 2.01 and provides the following benefits:
    • Benefit over version 2.0:

      Resolves an error where, in rare instances, it may not be possible to play a song selected using the search function.

    • Benefit over version 1.0:

      Adds support for AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) files without converting to ATRAC® format when using SonicStage® CP software.

      AAC NOTES:

      • Supported AAC format sampling frequency: 11.025/12/16/22.05/24/32/44.1/48kHz
      • Supported AAC format bit rate: 16 - 320 kbps, VBR (Variable Bit Rate)
      • It may not be possible to play all AAC files.
      • Copyrighted AAC files are not supported.

    System Requirements

    Operating Systems

    • Windows® 2000
    • Windows® 98/98SE
    • Windows® Me
    • Windows® XP
    • Windows® XP MCE

    File Info

    File Name

    • NW-E000_V2_01.exe

    File Version

    • 2.01

    File Size

    • 4.43 MB

    Release Date

    • 12-07-2006

    Before You Start

    Important Notes

    • This firmware update is only for the NW-E002, NW-E002F, NW-E003, NW-E003F, NW-E005, and NW-E005F Network Walkman™ portable audio players with firmware version 2.00 or lower.
    • Please follow these steps to confirm the current firmware version:
      1. Press and hold the "HOME" button until the HOME menu appears.
      2. Press the "REW/FF" button to select MENU, and then press the "PLAY/STOP" button.
      3. Press the "REW/FF" button to select Advanced Menu, and then press the "PLAY/STOP" button.
      4. Press the "REW/FF" button to select Information, and then press the "PLAY/STOP" button.
      5. Press the "REW/FF" button to confirm that the version listed is 2.00 or lower.
    • To protect against data loss, please transfer all tracks and data from the portable audio player to the computer before updating the firmware. There is a possibility that data stored on the device might be lost during the update process.
    • This update requires approximately 5MB of free space be available on the unit in order to perform this upgrade.
    • Fully charge the portable unit before upgrading the firmware.
    • If you are using the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 or Windows® XP operating system, be sure that you are logged in as the Administrator or as a user with Administrative rights, during the installation of this update.
    • To ensure that no other program interferes with the installation, save all work and close all other programs. The Taskbar should be clear of applications before proceeding.
    • It is highly recommended to print out these instructions as a reference during the installation process.

    Download & Install

    System Requirements Operating System (manufacturer installed):
    • Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005
    • Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2004
    • Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition
    • Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
    • Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
    • Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional (Service Pack 3 or later)
    • Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition
    • Microsoft® Windows® 98 Second Edition
    Note: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition and XP Tablet Edition are not supported.

    Hardware requirements:
    • CPU: Pentium III 450MHz or higher
    • RAM: : 128MB or more
    • Display: 800 x 600 dots or better (1024 x 768 dots or better is recommended)
    • Display Color: High Color (16bit) or higher

    Download and Installation Instructions

    1. Connect the Network Walkman™ player to the computer.
    2. To ensure that no other program interferes with the installation, save all work and close all other programs. The Taskbar should be clear of applications before proceeding.
    3. Download the NW-E000_V2_01.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
    4. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the NW-E000_V2_01.exe file to begin the installation.
    5. Carefully follow the on-screen instructions of the update program.

      NOTES:
      • Do not disconnect the Network Walkman™ player during the firmware update.
      • During the firmware update, the USB connection is automatically controlled and the USB Connect indicator is off. This may also result in USB disconnect messages on the computer.
    6. Once the firmware update is complete, click the "Finish" button.
    Installation Confirmation (Optional)
    1. Press and hold the "HOME" button until the HOME menu is appears.
    2. Press the "REW/FF" button to select MENU, and then press the "PLAY/STOP" button.
    3. Press the "REW/FF" button to select Advanced Menu, and then press the "PLAY/STOP" button.
    4. Press the "REW/FF" button to select Information, and then press the "PLAY/STOP" button.
    5. Press the "REW/FF" button to confirm that the version listed is 2.01.

    Questions & Answers

    Errors During Installation
    • Error: The following message is displayed on the computer: "The update data file cannot be transferred because there is not enough available disk space in the device."
      Solution: Delete songs from the unit, or transfer songs to the computer, to free at least 5MB of disk space, and then start the update again.
    • Error: The following message is displayed on the computer:
      The software update of the NW-E003F device to version 2.01 timed out.
      Solution: The update may have failed. Click "Finish", and then start the update again.