Sony Support

NWZ-A816 Firmware Update to Version 2.10

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:

  • NWZ-A816

About this download

Benefits and improvements

This utility updates the NWZ-A816 firmware to version 2.10 and provides the following benefits:

New Features:

  • Support for accessing Rhapsody® music channels
  • Enhanced artist information

Important Notes:

  • After the update is applied, English is the only Display language available.
  • Usable storage capacity will be changed:
    1. Before the Update: Approximately 3.57GB = 3,840,638,976 bytes
    2. After the Update: Approximately 3.57GB = 3,840,573,440 bytes
  • The "Clock Display" icon in the Home menu is replaced by the "Rhapsody Channels" icon.
    NOTE: To display the clock:
    1. In the music playing screen, press the OPTION/PWR OFF button.
    2. Use the arrow buttons () to select "Clock Display", and then press the "Play/Pause" button ().

System Requirements

Operating Systems

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

File Info

File Name

  • NWZ-A816_V2_10.exe

File Version

  • 2.10

File Size

  • 16.13 MB

Release Date

  • 12-08-2007

Before You Start


Applicable Models

This firmware update is intended only for NWZ-A816 Sony® Walkman® Digital Music players that meet all of the following conditions:

  • That are being used with the Best Buy® Digital Music Service.
  • Have serial numbers between 4300001 and 4330000
    NOTE: The model and serial number are listed on the back of the player.
  • Have firmware version 2.0 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. Confirm that the Model is NWZ-A816, and that the Firmware Version is 2.0.

If the NWZ-A816 does not meet all of the above conditions, 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 update process.
  • In order to install this update, there must be at least 20MB free space on the NWZ-A816.
  • 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 NWZ-A816 to the computer with the supplied USB cable.
    NOTE: If a "Portable Device" window opens, click "Cancel" to close the window and continue.
  2. Set up a folder on the computer hard drive, and backup all tracks and data from the NWZ-A816 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)
    NOTE: 64 Bit versions of the operating system are not supported.
  • CPU: Pentium® III 1.0GHz or higher
  • 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 above (or below) to begin the download process.
  3. Read the Software Download License Agreement and, if you agree, click "Accept Agreement".
  4. Download the NWZ-A816_V2_10.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
  5. Connect the NWZ-A816 to the computer with the supplied USB cable.
    NOTE: If a "Portable Device" window opens, click "Cancel" to close the window and continue.
  6. Go to the directory where the file was downloaded and double-click the NWZ-A816_V2_10.exe file to begin the installation.
  7. Carefully follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation.
    IMPORTANT!: Do not disconnect the NWZ-A816 from the computer while the update is in progress.
    NOTE: During the update the USB connection is automatically controlled and the "Connecting USB" message is not displayed. On some computers a "USB Disconnect" message may be displayed.
  8. At the message "The software of the NWZ-A816 device has been updated to version 2.10 successfully.", click "Finish".

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. If the Firmware Version is 2.1 the update is successfully installed.

Questions & Answers


Possible Errors During Update

ERROR: The update data file cannot be transferred because there is not enough available space in the device. RESOLUTION: Delete some songs from the NWZ-A816, or transfer songs to the computer, to free at least 20MB of space. Then start the update procedure again.
ERROR: The software update of the NWZ-A816 device to version 2.10 timed out. RESOLUTION: The update may have failed. Click "Finish" and then start the update procedure again.
ERROR: The update tool failed to update the software of the NWZ-A816 device to version 2.10. RESOLUTION: The player model or firmware version may not be compatible with the update. Check the Model and Firmware Version again.
ERROR: "Library error encountered" is displayed on the NWZ-A816 after the update. RESOLUTION: Follow the steps below to format the NWZ-A816.
WARNING!: Backup all contents before formatting as all stored data will be erased.
  1. While in Pause mode, 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 "Format", and then press the "Play/Pause" button.
  5. At the "All data including songs will be deleted." message, use the arrow buttons to select "Yes", and then press the "Play/Pause" button.
  6. At the "All data will be deleted." message, use the arrow buttons to select "Yes", and then press the "Play/Pause" button.