Sony Support

Firmware Update

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

    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:

    • NWD-B103
    • NWD-B105

    About this download

    Benefits and improvements

    This utility updates the firmware to version 1.3 and provides the following benefits:

    Improvement over firmware version 1.2:

    • Resolves an issue where, in leap years, the date December 31, is not displayed correctly, or cannot be set correctly.

    Additional improvements over original firmware:

    • Improves USB transfer reliability
    • Tracks with an artist name or track name starting with "U" may display "Unknown" in the TAG information of the player.
    • The player may not work properly after formatting with a computer using Microsoft® Windows Vista® operating system.

    System Requirements

    Operating Systems

    • Windows Vista®
    • Windows® 2000
    • Windows® XP
    • Windows® XP MCE

    File Info

    File Name

    • NWD-B100F_V1_3.exe

    File Version

    • 1.3

    File Size

    • 3.37 MB

    Release Date

    • 12-24-2008

    Before You Start

    Check the Model and Firmware Version

    This firmware update is intended for NWD-B103F and NWD-B105F Sony® Walkman® Digital Music players with firmware version 1.2 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 "REW" and "FF" buttons to select "Settings" ( ), and then press the "Play/Pause" button ( ).
    3. At the "Settings" menu, use the arrow buttons to select "Information", and then press the "Play/Pause" button.
    4. At the "Information" menu, confirm that the Model is either NWD-B103F or NWD-B105F, and that the Firmware Version is 1.2 or lower.
      NOTE: If the Model is not one of the listed models, or if the Firmware Version is 1.3 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.
    • During the installation of this file, be sure that you are logged in as the Administrator or as a user with Administrative rights.
    • If you are using Windows Vista operating system, the message "Windows needs your permission to continue" may appear in the "User Account Control" dialog box. Click "Continue" to proceed.
    • 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.

    Before Performing the Update

    1. Connect the player to the computer with the supplied USB cable.
    2. Set up a folder on the computer hard drive, and backup all tracks and data from the player to the computer.

    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 NWD-B100F_V1_3.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
    4. Disconnect all Digital Music Players from the computer.
    5. Go to the directory where the firmware update file was downloaded and double-click the NWD-B100F_V1_3.exe file to begin the installation.
    6. Connect the player to the computer with the supplied USB cable.
    7. Confirm the Current Firmware Version/Upgrade Firmware Version.
      IMPORTANT: If you check "Format Data Area" in the Download options, the player will be formatted and all tracks and data deleted during the update process. Be sure to backup all necessary files to your computer before porceeding.
    8. Click "Start".
      IMPORTANT: Do not disconnect the player from the computer while the update is in progress.
    9. When the update complete message is displayed, click the "Close" button.
    10. Transfer all tracks and data back to the player from the folder created in step 2 of "Before Performing the Update".

    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 "REW" and "FF" buttons to select "Settings" ( ), and then press the "Play/Pause" button ( ).
    3. At the "Settings" menu, use the arrow buttons to select "Information", and then press the "Play/Pause" button.
    4. At the "Information" menu, confirm that the Firmware Version is 1.3.
      Note: If the Firmware Version is not 1.3, please check "Format Data Area" (see step 7 above), then download and install the update again.