SonicStage with netMD on Windows 10

Want to use netMD with a modern PC? Well, you should use Web MiniDisc or Platinum MiniDisc. They are both much easier to install and use, and let you use many more audio formats, including FLAC. You also do not have to mess with unsigned drivers that often get reset every time there is a Windows update. Every portable device, and almost every deck is now supported. There are only a few devices which aren't supported by WMD/PMD.

If you have one of these unsupported devices, below is a guide on how to install SonicStage and get netMD working with it.

Preparing your PC to Install the Unsigned Drivers.

  1. Reboot Windows into the Advanced boot menu by holding shift while left clicking on the “Restart” option in the “Shutdown or sign out” part of the Windows Start Menu
  2. You computer will then restart into the Advanced Boot Menu. This is a Blue Screen with numerous options. Select “Troubleshoot.”
  3. Then select “Advanced Options”
  4. Then “Start-up Settings”
  5. This will allow you to boot Windows in a different mode. We want to reboot it in the “Disable driver signature enforcement” option.
  6. This should be the seventh option in the menu, so hit F7 to select it.
  7. Windows should boot, and you will be able to install any driver your wish.

Installing the Drivers

Installation of SonicStage itself is rather easy. You can use the disc your device came with, or simply use the SonicStage 4.3 “Ultimate” Release 2 (Sony Insider Forums Thread and mirror here),(archive.org mirror here). It should install without issue. No compatibility mode settings are needed (in fact they cause issues if selected), so just treat it like a normal program.

The issue with trying to use SonicStage on Windows 10 is getting your netMD device to communicate with a modern OS. The drivers provided with installation CDs typically do not work with Windows 10 64bit. Luckily someone has made 64bit drivers for netMD devices. Unfortunately, they are unsigned making installation quite the hassle.

Before we begin, it must be noted that checking driver signatures is a security feature in Windows. Only install unsigned drivers from trusted sources.

The unsigned 64bit drivers for netMD devices can be found here ( wiki mirror) I had luck with the netMD-760 driver for my MDS-NT1 and the RH1 driver for my MZ-N920).

1. To begin with, make sure SonicStage is installed and the driver package you downloaded above has been unzipped somewhere you can easily find it.

2. Go to device manager (right click on the start button, then select it from the list).

3. Find the device named “NetMD,” it might be flagged with an error and standing out. If you have previously installed the zadig drivers it will be listed as “NetMD Walkman” under the “Universal Serial Bus devices” heading. Either way, right click on it and select “update drivers”.

4. Then “Browse my computer for driver software”

5. Then “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.”

6. Then “Have Disk…” on the bottom right. (Note that if you return to this screen after you have completed the driver install, it will list all drivers you have installed for this device, making it easy to switch between SS and PMD/WMD drivers.)

7. From here, select the directory where you unzipped the drivers in the first step, and select the .inf file.

8. Install these drivers, and you should get the following screen if they worked.

9. Restart your computer. If everything worked, once you open SonicStage and connect your device, you will be able to choose netMD from the dropdown on the right. From there you can use SonicStage however you like.


Adapted from: SonicStage 4.3 Ultimate Sony Insider Forums Release Page, ArchiVision Directory’s 64bit Windows 7 Driver Installation Page, ViewSonic’s “How to Install Unsigned Drivers in Windows 10” Page

  • guides/sonicstagew10.txt
  • Last modified: 2 years ago
  • by benjanyan