Sony Support

NW-A608 Firmware Update

Applicable Models

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-A608

About this download

Benefits and improvements

This program updates the NW-A608 Network Digital Music Player firmware and does the following:

Issues Resolved

  • A malfunction may occur when disconnecting the device from a computer that causes the battery life to become shorter.
  • If a "NO DATABASE" or "NO DATA" message appears, the device may no longer be recognized by the computer when it is connected.

Function Added

  • Transfer and playback of WMA (Windows Media Audio / Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz / Bit rate: 48 ? 192 kbps, VBR(Variable Bit Rate)) file format is now available.
    Note: Copyrighted WMA file format is not supported.

IMPORTANT: This update is only for NW-A608 models sold in Canada.

System Requirements

Operating Systems

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

File Info

File Name

  • NW-A600_V2_0.exe

File Version

  • 2.0

File Size

  • 6.56 MB

Release Date

  • 12-20-2005

Before You Start


Important Notes
  • This firmware update is only for the NW-A608 Network Walkman™ Portable Audio Player with firmware version less than or equal to 1.01.
  • Please follow these steps to confirm the current firmware version:
    1. Press and hold the DISP/FUNC button until the Function menu appears.
    2. Rotate the Shuttle switch to select "Music Library", then press the Play/Stop Button.
    3. Press and hold the SEARCH/MENU button in stop mode until the Setting menu appears.
    4. Rotate the Shuttle switch to select "Advanced Menu", then press the Play/Stop Button.
    5. Rotate the Shuttle switch to select "Information", then press the Play/Stop Button.
    6. Rotate the Shuttle switch to confirm that the firmware version at "4:" is less than or equal to 1.01.
  • To protect against data loss, please transfer all tracks and data from the NW-A608 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 3MB of free space be available on the unit in order to perform this upgrade.
  • 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, Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004, Windows XP Media Center Edition, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows 2000 Professional (Service Pack 4 or later).
  • Computer: IBM PC/AT or compatible
  • CPU: Pentium III 450MHz or higher
  • RAM: : 256MB or more
  • Display: High Color (16bit) or higher, 800 x 600 dots or better (1024 x 768 dots or better is recommended)

The following systems are not supported:

  • Operating Systems other than those indicated above
  • Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition
  • Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet Edition
  • Personally constructed PCs or operating systems
  • An environment that is an upgrade of the original manufacturer-installed operating system
  • Multi-boot environment
  • Multi-monitor environment
  • Macintosh®
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. Close the ConnectPlayer software, if it is running.
  3. Download the NW-A600_V2_0.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
  4. Using the supplied USB cable, connect the Network Walkman Portable Audio Player to the computer.
  5. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the NW-A600_V2_0.exe file to begin the installation.
  6. At the "Open File - Security Warning" screen, click "Run."
  7. At the "License Agreement" Screen, read the agreement, select "I agree" and click Next.
  8. At the "Connect the device to update the software" message, please make sure the NW-A608 is connected securely to the computer via the USB cable, and click "OK."
  9. At the "Close all the programs..." message, make sure all other programs are closed and click "OK."
  10. At the "The current software (Version=1.00) of the NW-A608 device will be updated to Version 2.00...." message, click OK to proceed.

  11. IMPORTANT: This update will take around 7 minutes to complete. Once initiated, the update cannot be canceled. Trying to cancel the firmware update may damage the device.
  12. At the "The software for the NWA608 device has been updated to version 2.00 successfully." message, click Finish.
    IMPORTANT: Although the update progress bar may indicate 100%, the update is not fully complete until this message appears.

The firmware update is complete. You can now disconnect the device from the computer.
Installation Confirmation (Optional)
  1. Press and hold the DISP/FUNC button until the Function menu appears.
  2. Rotate the Shuttle switch to select "Music Library", then press the Play/Stop Button.
  3. Press and hold the SEARCH/MENU button in stop mode until the Setting menu appears.
  4. Rotate the Shuttle switch to select "Advanced Menu", then press the Play/Stop Button.
  5. Rotate the Shuttle switch to select "Information", then press the Play/Stop Button.
  6. Rotate the Shuttle switch to confirm that the firmware version at "4:" is 2.00.