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-E435F
  • NWZ-E436F
  • NWZ-E438F

About this download

Benefits and improvements

This utility updates the firmware to version 1.02 and resolves the following issues:
  • Title and album information for music files may not display correctly on the player
  • The player may unexpectedly power off when playing MP4 video files
  • The player may skip the first few seconds when playing WMV video files
  • Audio and video may be out of synchronization when playing video files
  • When selecting songs from "All Songs", "Album", or "Artists" in "Music Library", the "Index" description displayed at the top of the screen may not match the "List" description at the bottom of the screen

System Requirements

Operating Systems

  • Windows Vista®
  • Windows® XP

File Info

File Name

  • NWZ-E430F_V1_02.exe

File Version

  • 1.02

File Size

  • 6.54 MB

Release Date

  • 11-24-2008

Before You Start

Applicable Models

This firmware update is intended only for NWZ-E435F, NWZ-E436F, and NWZ-E438F Sony® Walkman® Digital Music players that have firmware version 1.01 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-E435F, NWZ-E436F, or NWZ-E438F and that the firmware version is 1.01 or lower.

If the firmware version is 1.02 or higher do not attempt to install this update.

Important Notes

  • WARNING! 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 120 MB of 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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Make sure there are no other digital music players connected to the computer.
  • If using a notebook computer, it is strongly recommended that you connect the computer to AC power to avoid any interruption of the update process.
  • 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 (with Service Pack 1 or later)
    • Windows Vista Home Premium (with Service Pack 1 or later)
    • Windows Vista Business (with Service Pack 1 or later)
    • Windows Vista Ultimate (with 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-E430F_V1_02.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-E430F_V1_02.exe file to begin the installation.
  7. At the "WALKMAN Updater" window, confirm that the "Current Firmware Version" listed is "1.00" or "1.01", and that the "Upgrade Firmware Version" listed is "1.02", and then click "Start".
    IMPORTANT!: If the "Current Firmware Version" listed is "0.00", close the install program, and all other open programs, and then repeat the firmware update process.
  8. 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.
  9. When the "Complete" message is displayed, click "Close".

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 1.02 the update is successfully installed.