Installing your Mercedes-Benz diagnostic software, Xentry, can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it’s a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through each step of installing Xentry Open Shell, focusing on how to obtain and use your Xentry StartKey for activation. Let’s get your diagnostic system up and running.
Before you begin, ensure your system meets the requirements and that you have disabled the secure boot option in your BIOS settings, which is crucial for Windows 10 compatibility. Remember, newer versions of Xentry are designed for Windows 10 and do not support older operating systems like Windows 7.
Step-by-Step Xentry Installation Process
The installation process for Xentry Open Shell 12.2023 is similar to previous versions. Follow these steps to install your software correctly.
Step 1: Initiate the Installation
Navigate to your XDS_21.9.4 folder (or the equivalent folder for your version) and double-click the “start” application to begin the installation process.
You will be prompted to select a language for the installation. Choose your preferred language from the options provided and proceed.
XENTRY Diagnostic OpenShell requires several components to be installed on your computer. Click “Install” to initiate the installation of these prerequisites.
The InstallShield Wizard will guide you through the XENTRY Diagnostic OpenShell installation. Click “Next” to continue.
Accept the terms and conditions in the license agreement by clicking “Next” to proceed with the setup.
It is recommended to install Xentry in the default directory. Click “Next” to continue with the default installation path.
Confirm your installation settings and click “Next” to begin the main installation process.
The InstallShield Wizard will now install XENTRY Diagnostic OpenShell. This process may take a considerable amount of time, potentially over two hours, depending on your computer’s performance.
Wait for the installation to complete. Do not interrupt the process.
Once all modules are installed, you will be prompted to restart your PC. Follow the on-screen instructions to restart your computer.
After restarting, ConfigAssist will automatically launch. Close ConfigAssist as we will address this later for activation.
Step 2: ConnectorAPI Integration
Navigate to the “ConnectorAPI” folder within your installation files. Copy “ConnectorAPI64.dll” to C:\Windows\System32. Then, double-click “64.reg” and click “OK” to add it to your system registry.
Step 3: XentryAPI.dll and Registry Setup
Open the “SysWOW64” folder and copy the “XentryAPI.dll” file to C:\Windows\SysWOW64. Next, double-click “old key loader for configassist or startkeycenter 64bit.reg” and click “OK” to merge it into your registry list.
Step 4: Run XDOS Black List
Execute “XDOS black list.exe” and click “Extract”. This step is important for system stability.
Step 5: Baureihen Pictures (Optional)
Copy the images from the “Baureihen” folder to C:\Program Files (x86)\Mercedes-Benz\Xentry\Kontexte\Produktuebersicht\Bilder\Baureihen to enhance the visual elements within Xentry.
Step 6: Configuration File Setup
Go to C:\ProgramData\Mercedes-Benz\config and create a new folder named “Xentry”. Then, navigate to C:\ProgramData\Mercedes-Benz\config\XD_MB and copy “GlobalUserSettings.properties” to the “Xentry” folder you just created at C:\ProgramData\Mercedes-Benz\config\Xentry.
Step 7: Xentry StartKey Activation
This is a crucial step for activating your Xentry software. Run ConfigAssist. To obtain your Xentry Startkey Download, you will need to acquire it through a service. Copy your Hardware ID and send it to [email protected]. Please note that obtaining a StartKey is a paid service. Alternatively, you can explore options like “XENTRY Advanced KeyGen 1.1 Long Key Download” for self-activation on multiple PCs, or purchase a one-PC activation service.
Once you receive your Smart Key code, click “Manual” in ConfigAssist, input the StartKey code, and click “Save”. Your Xentry StartKey is now successfully installed, and your software is activated.
Step 8: XentryServices.xml Modification (For versions prior to 12.2023)
For versions prior to 12.2023, navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Mercedes-Benz\Xentry\XD_MB\bin and cut the “XentryServices.xml” file to your desktop. Open it with Notepad, locate and delete a specific line (consult specific instructions for your version if needed), save the modified file, and then cut and paste “XentryServices.xml” back to C:\Program Files (x86)\Mercedes-Benz\Xentry\XD_MB\bin. For version 12.2023, this step can be ignored.
If you need to perform this step for XD_DT, repeat the process for the C:\Program Files (x86)\Mercedes-Benz\Xentry\XD_DT\bin folder.
Step 9: Final Steps and Launch
Copy “Backup.bat” from your downloaded files to C:\ and double-click to run it. This will generate a “lic_key_2.dat” file; do not delete this file. Copy “start_Xentry.bat” to C:\Program Files (x86)\Mercedes-Benz\Xentry\XD_MB. Right-click on “start_Xentry.bat”, send it to your desktop as a shortcut. Always use this shortcut to launch Benz Xentry instead of the default icon.
Your installation and activation are now complete. To exit Xentry, double-click the “Diagnosis Stop” icon on your desktop.
Troubleshooting StartKey Issues
SmartKey Invalid Error: If you encounter a “SmartKey invalid” error, ensure that you have disabled the “Secure boot” option in your BIOS settings. This is a common cause of activation issues.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install and activate your Xentry diagnostic software, ready for use with Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
