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-A805
    • NW-A806
    • NW-A808

    About this download

    Benefits and improvements

    This utility updates the firmware to version 1.03 and resolves the following issues:

    Improvements over firmware version 1.02:

    • The playback occasionally stops for a moment, five or six seconds after the playback has begun.

    Additional improvements over original firmware:

    • Noise may occur when using the Equalizer or VPT (Surround) sound settings during playback.
    • The player may not respond when playing back a transferred MP3 file.

    System Requirements

    Operating Systems

    • Windows Vista®
    • Windows® XP
    • Windows® XP MCE

    File Info

    File Name

    • NW-A800_V1_03.exe

    File Version

    • 1.03

    File Size

    • 10.16 MB

    Release Date

    • 08-29-2008

    Before You Start

    Check the Model and Firmware Version

    This firmware update is intended for NW-A805, NW-A806, and NW-A808 Sony® Walkman® Video MP3 players with firmware version 1.02 or lower installed. Please follow the steps below to check the model and firmware version of your player.

    1. Press and hold the "BACK/HOME" button until the "Home" menu appears.
    2. At the "Home" menu, use the arrow buttons ( ) to select "Settings" ( ), and then press the "Play/Pause" button ( ).
    3. At the "Settings" menu, use the arrow buttons to select "Common Settings", and then press the "Play/Pause" button.
    4. At the "Common Settings" menu, use the arrow buttons to select "Unit Information", and then press the "Play/Pause" button.
    5. At the "Unit Information" menu, confirm that the Model is either NW-A805, NW-A806, or NW-A808, and that the Firmware Version is 1.02 or lower.
      NOTE: If the Model is not one of the three listed models, or if the Firmware Version is 1.03 or higher, do not attempt to install this update.

    Important Notes

    • It is strongly recommended that you transfer all tracks and data from the player to the computer before performing this update. Tracks and data that remain on the player may be damaged or deleted during the upgrade process.
    • This update requires about 15 MB of free space on the player.
    • During the installation of this file, be sure that you are logged in as the Administrator or as a user with Administrative rights.
    • 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

    Computer System Requirements

    • One of the following Microsoft® Windows® operating systems:
      • Windows Vista® Home Basic
      • Windows Vista Home Premium
      • Windows Vista Business
      • Windows Vista Ultimate
      • Windows XP Home Edition (with Service Pack 2 or later)
      • Windows XP Professional (with Service Pack 2 or later)
      • Windows XP Media Center Edition
      • Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 (with Service Pack 2 or later)
      • Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (with Service Pack 2 or later)
      • Windows 2000 Professional (with Service Pack 4 or later)

      NOTE: 64 Bit versions of the operating system are not supported.
    • CPU: Pentium® III 450 MHz or higher (Pentium III 800 MHz or higher for Windows Vista operating system)
    • Memory (RAM): 128 MB or more (512 MB or more for Windows Vista operating system)
    • Display: High Color (16 bit) or higher, 800 x 600 dots or better (1024 x 768 dots or better is recommended)

    Download and Installation Instructions

    1. 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.
    2. Click the "Download Now" link at the top or bottom of this page.
    3. Download the NW-A800_V1_03.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
    4. Connect the player to the computer with the supplied USB cable.
    5. Use a small pin or similar item to press the "RESET" button on the player.
    6. Go to the directory where the firmware update file was downloaded and double-click the NW-A800_V1_03.exe file to begin the installation.
    7. Please carefully follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
      IMPORTANT: Do not disconnect the player from the computer while the update is in progress.
      NOTE: During the update process the USB connection is automatically controlled and the "Connecting" indication is off. The USB disconnect message may be displayed on the computer. This is normal.
    8. When the update complete message is displayed, click the "Finish" button.

    The Firmware Update process is complete.


    Confirm Successful Update (optional)

    1. Press and hold the "BACK/HOME" button until the "Home" menu appears.
    2. At the "Home" menu, use the arrow buttons ( ) to select "Settings" ( ), and then press the "Play/Pause" button ( ).
    3. At the "Settings" menu, use the arrow buttons to select "Common Settings", and then press the "Play/Pause" button.
    4. At the "Common Settings" menu, use the arrow buttons to select "Unit Information", and then press the "Play/Pause" button.
    5. At the "Unit Information" menu, confirm that the Firmware Version is 1.03.
      NOTE: If the Firmware Version is not 1.03, please download and install the update again.

    Questions & Answers

    Possible Errors During Upgrade

    • Error: The computer displays the message, "The update data file cannot be transferred because there is not enough available disk space in the device."
      Resolution: Delete some songs from the player, or transfer them to the computer, to make sure there is more than 15 MB of available disk space on the player.
    • Error: The computer displays the message, "The software update of the NW-A8xx device to version 1.03 timed out.
      Resolution: Click "Finish" and then download and install the update again.