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:

    • NWZ-S736F
    • NWZ-S738F

    About this download

    Benefits and improvements

    This utility updates the firmware to version 1.11 and resolves an issue where, while playing any music files, the player may stop responding and then may automatically power off and on.

    System Requirements

    Operating Systems

    • Windows Vista®
    • Windows® XP

    File Info

    File Name

    • NWZ-S730F_V1_11.exe

    File Version

    • 1.11

    File Size

    • 27.89 MB

    Release Date

    • 01-13-2009

    Before You Start

    Applicable Models

    This firmware update is intended only for NWZ-S736F and NWZ-S738F Sony® Walkman® Digital Music players that have firmware version 1.10 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. Confirm that the model is NWZ-S736F or NWZ-S738F and that the firmware version is 1.10 or lower.

    If the firmware version is 1.11 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 update process.
    • In order to install this update, there must be at least 30 MB 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.
    • 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.
      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 player to the computer.
    3. Reset the player to restore factory settings.
      IMPORTANT: All settings, including FM station presets, will be restored to their factory default settings. However, performing a reset will not delete music, pictures, or movies from the 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 "Reset all Settings", and then press the "Play/Pause" button.
      5. At the confirmation screen, use the arrow buttons to select "Yes", and then press the "Play/Pause" button.
    5. Please continue to the next section to download and install the firmware update.

    Download & Install

    Computer System Requirements

    • One of the following Microsoft® Windows® operating systems:
      • Windows Vista® Home Basic (Service Pack 1 or later)
      • Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1 or later)
      • Windows Vista Business (Service Pack 1 or later)
      • Windows Vista Ultimate (Service Pack 1 or later)
      • Windows XP Home Edition (with Service Pack 2 or later)
      • Windows XP Professional (with Service Pack 2 or later)
      Note: 64 Bit versions of the operating system are not supported.
    • CPU: Pentium® 4 1.0 GHz or higher
    • Memory (RAM): 512 MB or more
    • 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-S730F_V1_11.exe file to a temporary or download directory (please note this directory for reference).
    5. Connect the player 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-S730F_V1_11.exe file to begin the installation.
    7. Carefully follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation.
      IMPORTANT!: Do not disconnect the player 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. When the Completed message is displayed, 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 1.11 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 player, or transfer songs to the computer, to free at least 30 MB of space. Then start the update procedure again.


    ERROR: The software update of the NWZ-S73xF device to version 1.11 timed out.

    RESOLUTION: The update may have failed. Click "Finish" and then start the update procedure again.