How to Upgrade an MP3 Player
By Susan Presley
MP3 manufacturers regularly provide new software called "firmware" that upgrades the players' performance. The upgrades may improve existing features of the MP3 player and fix existing bugs. Upgrades can also add new features to MP3 players. For example, new sound file format capabilities, better battery management and photo organizing options may become available to users. Upgrades are downloaded either manually or automatically from the MP3 player's manufacturer.
iPod
Step 1
Press the choice marked "yes" when your iPod MP3 player asks if you want it to perform automatic upgrades. Press "no" if you prefer to manually upgrade your iPod.
Step 2
Upgrade manually if you don't want your iPod to perform the task automatically. Plug in your iPod.
Step 3
Go to the Applications menu; choose Utilities, then iPod Software Updater. Choose the option to upgrade to the newest firmware.
Zen and MuVo
Step 1
Visit the manufacturer's support website. Click on the Download menu. Choose your region, your country and your preferred language. Click on your MP3 player.
Step 2
Click on each title to show a description of the software. Select which version of the upgrade software you want to use.
Step 3
Connect your MP3 player to your computer via USB. Choose "Run," then "Update" to install the software on your device. Keep the MP3 player connected during the software transfer.
Step 4
Click on "System" after the download finishes. Review the Information section to ensure your software was installed.
Step 5
Verify the version listed on your MP3 player is the version you chose for the upgrade. Unplug your MP3 player from your computer.
iRiver
Step 1
Go to the support website for the manufacturer. Click the "Ultra Portable Players" bar. Choose your player from the options on the page.
Step 2
Click on the title of each firmware choice for a description of the product and the players for which it is designed. Choose which upgrade you prefer.
Step 3
Download the iRiver Firmware Update to your desktop. Double click on the file after the download is complete to unzip and install the software.
Step 4
Use a USB cord to connect your MP3 player to your computer. Choose whether you want your current MP3 files deleted before the upgrade.
Step 5
Allow the software to install itself. Unplug your MP3 player from your computer after installation is complete.
References
Tips
- Upgrading your MP3 player's firmware is not required to run the device. Installation will help the device run more smoothly.
Warnings
- MP3 players offer the option to revert to an earlier firmware if desired. Uninstalling a newer upgrade will negate any fixes for bugs in the player or other improvements included with the latest firmware.
Writer Bio
Susan Presley has worked in health care journalism since 2007, and has been published in the American Journal of Nursing and other academic periodicals. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Truman State University and a Master of Divinity degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.