Sony Support

NW-HD5 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:

    • NW-HD5

    About this download

    Benefits and improvements

    This utility updates the NW-HD5 firmware to version 1.2 and resolves an issue where the NW-HD5 may stop responding during certain operations.

    System Requirements

    Operating Systems

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

    File Info

    File Name

    • NW_HD5.BIN

    File Version

    • 1.2

    File Size

    • 1.55 MB

    Release Date

    • 07-25-2005

    Before You Start


    Important Notes
    • This firmware update is only for the NW-HD5 Network Walkman™ Portable Hard Disk Audio Player with firmware version 1.1 or lower.
    • Please follow these steps to confirm the current firmware version:
      1. Connect the NW-HD5 to AC power.
      2. While in stop mode, press and hold the "SEARCH/ MENU" button until the "MENU" screen is displayed.
      3. At the "MENU" screen, use the Arrow Buttons ( ) to select "Options", then press the Pause/Play ( ) Button.
      4. At the "Options" screen, use the Arrow Buttons to select "Initialize System", then press the Pause/Play Button.
      5. At the "Initialize System" screen, use the Arrow Buttons to select "Update Firmware", then press the Pause/Play Button.
      6. At the "Update Firmware" screen, confirm that the firmware version is 1.1 or lower.
    • To protect against data loss, please transfer all tracks and data from the NW-HD5 to the computer before updating the firmware. There is a possibility that data stored on the device might be lost during the update process.
    • It is highly recommended to print out these instructions as a reference during the installation process.

    Download & Install


    Download and Installation Instructions
    1. Download the NW_HD5.BIN file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
    2. Close the SonicStage® software, if it is running.
    3. Connect the NW-HD5 to AC power.
    4. Connect the NW-HD5 to the computer using the dedicated USB cable.
    5. Use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to copy the NW_HD5.BIN file to the NW-HD5.
      NOTE: It is necessary to save the NW_HD5.BIN file to the top folder level of the NW-HD5.
    6. Close Windows Explorer and disconnect the USB cable from the NW-HD5.
    7. While in stop mode, press and hold the "SEARCH/ MENU" button until the "MENU" screen is displayed.
    8. At the "MENU" screen, use the Arrow Buttons ( ) to select "Options", then press the Pause/Play ( ) Button.
    9. At the "Options" screen, use the Arrow Buttons to select "Initialize System", then press the Pause/Play Button.
    10. At the "Initialize System" screen, use the Arrow Buttons to select "Update Firmware", then press the Pause/Play Button.
    11. At the "Update Firmware" screen, use the Arrow Buttons to select "Yes]", then press the Pause/Play Button.
      NOTE: The message "Updating firmware. Do not perform any operations during the update. The unit will restart automatically after updating" is displayed. The firmware update takes about 30 seconds.

    After the NW-HD5 restarts, the firmware update is complete.
    Installation Confirmation (Optional)
    1. Connect the NW-HD5 to AC power.
    2. While in stop mode, press and hold the "SEARCH/ MENU" button until the "MENU" screen is displayed.
    3. At the "MENU" screen, use the Arrow Buttons ( ) to select "Options", then press the Pause/Play ( ) Button.
    4. At the "Options" screen, use the Arrow Buttons to select "Initialize System", then press the Pause/Play Button.
    5. At the "Initialize System" screen, use the Arrow Buttons to select "Update Firmware", then press the Pause/Play Button.
    6. At the "Update Firmware" screen, confirm that the firmware version is 1.2.

    After confirming the successful firmware update, use Microsoft® Windows® Explorer to delete the NW_HD5.BIN file from the NW-HD5.