Sony Walkman NWZ-B172/B173 Series Quick Start Guide

About Volume Operation (European Directives)

For countries/areas complying with European Directives, an alarm (beep) and warning message [Check the Volume Level] are displayed to protect your hearing when you raise the volume setting beyond a specific level (level [19]) for the first time. You can cancel this by pressing any button.

• After canceling the warning, you can increase the volume beyond the specific level.
• The warning repeats every 20 cumulative hours of listening above the specific level, at which point the volume automatically resets to level [10].
• If the volume is set above the specific level and the Walkman is turned off, it will automatically return to the specific level upon next use.

Turning Your “WALKMAN” On and Off

To turn on: Press the [Play/Pause] button (▶️).

To turn off: Press and hold the [Play/Pause] button (▶️).

If playback is paused and there is no operation for a certain period, the Walkman turns off automatically.

How to Use Your “WALKMAN”

The Home menu is the starting point for all applications.

• To display the Home menu: Press and hold the [Back/Home] button (↩️).
• To select an item: Rotate the [Shuttle Switch] () to ⬆️/⬇️ to select, then press the [Play/Pause] button (▶️) to confirm.
• To return to the previous screen: Press the [Back/Home] button (↩️).

Home Menu Options:

• [Voice]: Plays back/deletes sound files recorded with the built-in microphone.
• [Music Library]: Plays back transferred songs.
• [FM] (NWZ-B172F/B173F only): Plays FM radio or records/plays back FM radio programs.
• [Settings]: Configures music, FM, voice recording, or general Walkman settings.

Importing and Transferring Music

Transfer songs using Windows Media Player 11 or 12 on your computer. For older versions, install Windows Media Player 11 from the Microsoft download site: http://support.microsoft.com/

1. Import songs from CDs, etc., to Windows Media Player 11 or 12. Refer to the Windows Media Player Help for details.
2. Connect your Walkman to your computer. Insert the USB connector fully.
3. Transfer songs from Windows Media Player 11 or 12 to your Walkman. The display will show [DATA ACCESS] during transfer.

Note: Do not disconnect the Walkman during transfer to avoid file damage. Copyright-protected content is not supported.

You can also drag and drop files in Windows Explorer.

To delete songs: Connect your Walkman to your computer and delete files using Windows Media Player 11, 12, or Windows Explorer.

Installing Bundled Software (User Guide included)

The Walkman includes bundled software, including the WALKMAN Guide and User Guide (HTML document).

1. Connect your Walkman to your computer.
2. On your computer, select: [Start] - [My Computer] or [Computer] - [WALKMAN] - [Storage Media].
3. Double-click [Setup.exe]. Follow the on-screen instructions.

The WALKMAN Guide shortcut will appear on your desktop. For music transfer details, refer to the User Guide within WALKMAN Guide.

The bundled software can be backed up and reinstalled on another computer. Backup files are typically located at C:\Program Files\Sony\WALKMAN Guide\NWZ-B170\Backup.

What can you do with the WALKMAN Guide?

• View the User Guide (details on using Walkman, software transfer, troubleshooting).
• Access customer registration and support links.

Charging the Battery

The battery recharges when the Walkman is connected to a running computer.

• Charging Time: Approximately 70 minutes.
• Note: For first-time use or long periods of disuse, charge fully. The power illuminator blinks during charging. If the display remains blank for over 5 minutes, press the [Reset] button (?).
• Caution: Disconnect the Walkman before turning on, restarting, shutting down, or waking your computer from sleep/hibernate mode to prevent malfunction.
• To prevent battery deterioration, charge at least once every six months or annually.

Parts and Controls

Front:

• [REC/STOP] button (): Starts/stops recording. Can also record FM radio (NWZ-B172F/B173F only).
• [VOL +/-] button (): Adjusts volume.
• [ZAP/BASS] button (): Switches between normal playback and ZAPPIN playback (short song clips) or emphasizes bass.
• [Play/Pause] button (▶️): Starts/pauses playback or recording.
• [Shuttle Switch] (): Navigates menus, searches songs, fast-rewinds/forwards.
• [Headphone] jack (?): Connect headphones here.
• [Display] (): Shows information.
• [Power Illuminator] (): LED indicator.
• [MIC] (Microphone) (?): For voice recording.
• [Strap Holes] ().
• [RESET] button (?): Use a small pin to reset.
• [Back/Home] button (↩️): Navigates back or to the Home menu.
• [HOLD] switch (?): Locks buttons to prevent accidental operation.
• [Clip Holes] (): For attaching the supplied clip.
• [USB Cap] (?): Remove to connect via USB.

Rear: (Diagram shows rear view, no specific controls mentioned beyond what's on the front.)

Troubleshooting

If your Walkman does not function as expected, try these steps:

1. Consult the "Troubleshooting" section in the User Guide (HTML document) for specific issues and corrective actions.
2. Connect your Walkman to a computer to charge the battery, as this may resolve some issues.
3. Press the [RESET] button (?) with a small pin. Note: Resetting may erase data and settings.
4. Check the Help section of any relevant software.
5. Visit customer support websites (see "For the latest information").
6. If problems persist, consult your nearest Sony dealer.

Common Issues:

To Initialize (Format) Your “WALKMAN”

Formatting erases all data, including the User Guide, and resets settings to default. Back up necessary files first.

1. Press and hold the [Back/Home] button (↩️) until the Home menu appears.
2. Select [Settings] ➡️ [Initialize] ➡️ [Format] ➡️ [OK].

Formatting starts, and [COMPLETE] appears upon completion.

Note: Do not format in Windows Explorer. If accidentally formatted in Windows Explorer, reformat on the Walkman.

Precautions

About the Headphones:

• Avoid listening at excessively high volumes for extended periods to protect hearing.
• At high volumes, external sounds may be inaudible. Do not use in situations where hearing is critical (e.g., driving, cycling).
• The supplied headphones are open-air; sound may leak out. Be mindful of others nearby.

Do not expose batteries to excessive heat (sunshine, fire, etc.).

For the Latest Information

Visit Sony's support websites for questions, issues, or compatible accessory information:

• USA: http://www.sony.com/walkmansupport
• Canada: http://www.sony.ca/ElectronicsSupport/
• Europe: http://support.sony-europe.com/DNA
• Latin America: http://www.sony-latin.com/index.crp
• Other Countries/Regions: http://www.sony-asia.com/support
• Overseas Models: http://www.sony.co.jp/overseas/support/