Sony WALKMAN NWZ-B170 Series Quick Start Guide
This guide provides essential information to get you started with your Sony WALKMAN NWZ-B172, NWZ-B173, NWZ-B172F, and NWZ-B173F.
Turning Your WALKMAN On and Off
To turn on: Press the [power button].
To turn off: Press and hold the [power button].
? Hint: If song playback is paused and there is no operation for a certain period of time, your Walkman turns off automatically.
How to Use Your WALKMAN
The Home menu is the starting point for each application.
- To display the Home menu: Press and hold the [BACK/HOME button].
- To select an item: Rotate the shuttle switch to [scroll up/down] to select an item, and then press the [power button] to confirm.
- To return to the previous screen: Press the [BACK/HOME button].
Home Menu
The icons appear in the Home menu, and the color of the selected icon is inverted.
- [Voice]: Plays back/deletes sound files recorded with the built-in microphone.
- [Music Library]: Plays back transferred songs.
- [FM]: Plays FM radio, or plays back/deletes FM radio programs recorded with your Walkman. (Available on NWZ-B172F/B173F models only)
- [Settings]: Sets functions for music, FM, voice recording, or general Walkman settings.
Importing and Transferring Music
You can transfer songs to your Walkman using Windows Media Player 11 or 12 on your computer. If you use Windows Media Player 10 or older, install Windows Media Player 11 from the Microsoft download site: http://support.microsoft.com/
Import songs from CDs, etc., to Windows Media Player 11 or 12 on your computer. Refer to the Windows Media Player Help for details.
1. Click “Rip.”
2. Click here to start importing.
Connect your Walkman to your computer. Insert the USB connector fully.
Transfer songs from Windows Media Player 11 or 12 to your Walkman. The display will show "[DATA ACCESS]" during transfer.
1. Choose albums, etc.
2. Click here to transfer songs to your Walkman.
Note: Do not disconnect your Walkman while files are being transferred, as this may damage the file. Content with copyright protection cannot be transferred.
? Hint: You can also transfer data by dragging and dropping it in Windows Explorer.
To delete songs transferred to your WALKMAN
Connect your Walkman to your computer and delete unnecessary audio files using Windows Media Player 11, 12, or Windows Explorer.
Installing Bundled Software (User Guide included)
The software, including the User Guide (HTML document), is stored in your Walkman's built-in flash memory.
- Connect your Walkman to your computer.
- On your computer, select: [Start] - [My Computer] or [Computer] - [WALKMAN] - [Storage Media].
- Double-click [Setup.exe]. The install wizard will appear.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. After installation, a WALKMAN Guide shortcut will appear on your desktop.
- Double-click the (WALKMAN Guide) shortcut to start the application.
For details on transferring music, refer to the User Guide within the WALKMAN Guide.
? Hint: You can also start the WALKMAN Guide from the [Start] menu.
The bundled software installation creates a backup of [Setup.exe] on your computer's [C] drive. This allows reinstallation on another computer.
Backup Location: C:\Program Files\*1\Sony\WALKMAN Guide\NWZ-B170\Backup (*1 [Program Files(x86)] may be displayed depending on your OS).
What can you do with the WALKMAN Guide?
- User Guide: Detailed instructions on using your Walkman, transferring content, and troubleshooting.
- Customer Registration Link
- Customer Support Link
- Other useful Links
Charging the Battery
The battery recharges when the Walkman is connected to a running computer.
Charging time: Approximately 70 minutes for a full charge.
Note:
- For first-time use or after long periods of non-use, charge the battery fully. When charging a depleted battery, the power illuminator blinks, and the display remains blank.
- If the display remains blank for over 5 minutes, press the [RESET button] to reset the Walkman.
- Disconnect the Walkman before turning on, restarting, shutting down, or waking your computer from sleep/hibernate mode to prevent potential malfunctions.
- To prevent battery deterioration, charge the battery at least once every six months.
Parts and Controls
Front
- [REC/STOP button]: Starts/stops recording. Records sound via the built-in microphone or FM radio programs (NWZ-B172F/B173F only).
- [VOL +/- button]: Adjusts volume.
- [ZAP/BASS button]: Switches between normal playback and ZAPPIN playback (plays song clips) or activates the Bass function.
- [Play/Pause button]: Starts/pauses song playback or recording.
- [Shuttle switch]: Rotates to find song beginnings or fast-rewind/forward. Selects menu items.
- [Headphone jack]: Connect headphones here.
- [Display]: Shows information.
- [Power illuminator]: LED indicator.
- [MIC (Microphone)]: For recording sound.
- [Strap holes]: For attaching a strap.
- [RESET button]: Use a small pin to press.
- [BACK/HOME button]: Returns to the previous screen or displays the Home menu.
- [HOLD switch]: Disables operation buttons to prevent accidental presses.
- [Clip holes]: For attaching the supplied clip.
- [USB cap]: Remove before connecting to USB.
Rear
(No specific controls described for the rear in the text, only the label "Rear" is present in the diagram context.)
Troubleshooting
If your Walkman is not functioning as expected, try these steps:
- Consult the "Troubleshooting" section in the User Guide (HTML document) for specific issues and corrective actions.
- Connect your Walkman to your computer to charge the battery, as this may resolve some issues.
- Press the [RESET button] with a small pin. Note: This may erase stored data and settings. After resetting, press the [Play/Pause button] to turn on the Walkman.
- Check the Help section of each software application for relevant information.
- Look for information on customer support websites (see "For the latest information").
- If problems persist, contact your nearest Sony dealer.
Common Issues and Solutions
Symptom | Cause/Remedy |
---|---|
I cannot charge the battery. |
|
[CONNECTED USB] does not appear when Walkman is connected. |
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Walkman becomes unstable while connected to the computer. |
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Initializing (Formatting) Your WALKMAN
Formatting the Walkman's memory erases all shortcut icons and files (including the User Guide) and resets all settings to default values. Ensure you back up any necessary files before formatting.
- Press and hold the [BACK/HOME button] until the Home menu appears.
- Select [Settings] – [Initialize] – [Format] – [OK] in order.
- Rotate the shuttle switch to select items and press the [Play/Pause button] to confirm.
The display will show "[FORMATTING...]" and then "[COMPLETE]" upon completion.
Note: Do not format the Walkman in Windows Explorer. If accidentally formatted there, reformat using the Walkman itself. If formatted accidentally, download the User Guide from the Sony website.
Precautions
About the headphones
- Avoid playing at excessively high volumes that could affect hearing over time.
- At high volumes, external sounds may be inaudible. Do not use in situations where hearing must not be impaired (e.g., while driving or cycling).
- The supplied headphones are open-air design; sound may be audible to others nearby.
Do not expose batteries to excessive heat (sunshine, fire, etc.).
Rated current consumption: 500 mA.
For users in France: When replacing headphones/earphones, refer to compatible models like MDR-E804YLA.
Prolonged listening at high volume can damage hearing.
For the latest information
For questions, issues, or information on compatible items, visit the following Sony support websites:
- 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/
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