Formatting your “WALKMAN”

You can format the built-in flash memory of your Walkman.
Note
  • If the memory is formatted, all data (songs, etc., including sample data installed at the factory, supplied software installer and the Help Guide) will be erased. Be sure to verify the data stored in memory prior to formatting and export any important data to the hard disk of your computer.

  • Be sure not to initialize (format) the built-in flash memory of your Walkman using a computer. If you have formatted with a computer, format again using the Walkman.

  • Formatting is available only while playback is paused.

  • If the OPR lamp lights up in red due to low remaining battery power, charge the battery before formatting your Walkman.

  • The software included with your Walkman will also be deleted if the memory is formatted. If you need to reinstall it, download software from the customer support web sites. [Details]

  • The settings of shuffle playback, playlist playback, ZAPPIN playback, AVLS (Volume Limit) and volume setting also return to their defaults if the memory is formatted.

  1. Turn on your Walkman.

  1. Press and hold the button for about 15 seconds until the OPR lamp blinks orange quickly.

Release the button. The OPR lamp lights up in red.
  1. Press the or button within 30 seconds after the OPR lamp lights up in red.

The OPR lamp lights up in green and red alternately each time you press the or button.
  1. Press the button while the OPR lamp lights up in green.

The OPR lamp blinks green quickly and formatting is executed. When the OPR lamp turns off, formatting is completed.
If you press the button while the OPR lamp lights up in red, or if 30 seconds have passed, formatting will be canceled.
Note
  • When formatting is finished, your Walkman will turn off automatically. When you turn on your Walkman again, the Walkman will reconstruct its database. While that is being done, you may not be able to transfer music or otherwise operate the Walkman.

Hint
  • You can install the supplied software even if you delete the “Setup.exe” file by formatting the built-in flash memory of your Walkman. Copy the “Setup.exe” file and the “Install” folder from the “Backup” folder of your computer to the Walkman. The “Backup” folder can be found at
    C:\Program Files(*1)\Sony\WALKMAN Guide\NWZ-W270\Backup

(*1) “Program Files(x86)” may be displayed depending on the computer OS.
  • Each software stored in the “FOR_MAC” and “FOR_WINDOWS” folders in the memory of your Walkman can be deleted after installation to increase the free space in the Walkman. Before you delete them, copy the data in the “FOR_MAC” folder to your computer as a backup if necessary.