DAS Xentry 2014 Download and Installation Guide: A Step-by-Step Tutorial for Mercedes Diagnostics

For automotive repair professionals and Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, DAS Xentry 2014 remains a powerful and essential diagnostic tool. This comprehensive software suite enables in-depth vehicle analysis, troubleshooting, and programming. If you’re looking to leverage the capabilities of DAS Xentry 2014, understanding the download and installation process is crucial. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough to help you get DAS Xentry 2014 up and running smoothly on your system.

Preparing Your System for DAS Xentry 2014

Before you begin the Das Xentry 2014 Download and installation, proper system preparation is paramount. This ensures compatibility and a hassle-free setup. Let’s break down the necessary steps:

Operating System and User Accounts

DAS Xentry 2014 is designed to operate on Windows XP with Service Pack 3. This specific operating system environment is critical for the software’s optimal performance and compatibility. Begin by installing Windows XP with SP3 on your dedicated diagnostic laptop.

During the Windows XP setup, create two user accounts, both with administrator privileges. Name these accounts “OWNER” and “STAR”. These distinct accounts help manage software permissions and system stability during the diagnostic process.

Hard Drive Partitioning for DAS Xentry 2014

Proper hard drive partitioning is another essential step. Dividing your hard drive into specific partitions ensures sufficient space for DAS Xentry 2014 and related diagnostic data. It’s recommended to partition your hard drive as follows:

C: Drive: Allocate a minimum of 15 GB of free space, with 20 GB recommended. This partition will house the Windows XP operating system and essential program files.
D: Drive: Assign at least 5 GB of free space. This partition can be used for temporary files and system utilities.
E: Drive: Allocate a minimum of 5 GB of free space. For users planning to install WIS (Workshop Information System) alongside DAS Xentry 2014, it’s highly recommended to increase this partition size to 20 GB to accommodate the additional data.
F: Drive: Dedicate a minimum of 20 GB of free space. This partition will be the primary installation location for DAS Xentry 2014 and related diagnostic software components.

You can utilize various partitioning software tools to achieve this disk layout. Popular free options include EASUS Partition Master Free and MiniTool Partition Wizard Home Edition. Ensure that the drive letters assigned during partitioning precisely match the recommendations (C:, D:, E:, F:) to avoid installation errors and ensure software functionality.

Alt text: Diagram illustrating recommended hard drive partitions C, D, E, and F with specified minimum storage space for DAS Xentry 2014 installation.

Setting the System Date

Before initiating the DAS Xentry 2014 installation, adjust your system date. Set the date to be no more than one month after the STAR DVD release date. This date setting is often a requirement for software licensing and proper function of older diagnostic software versions.

DAS Xentry 2014 Installation Steps

With your system prepared, you can proceed with the DAS Xentry 2014 installation. Follow these steps carefully:

Run prepare.bat File: Locate and run the prepare.bat file included with your DAS Xentry 2014 download package. This batch file typically configures essential system settings and prepares the environment for installation. Follow any on-screen instructions provided by the prepare.bat script.
Insert STAR DVD: Place the STAR DVD (containing the DAS Xentry 2014 installation files) into your laptop’s DVD drive.
Launch setup.exe: Navigate to the DVD drive (assuming it’s drive G:) and locate the G:stardiagsetup.exe file. Launch this executable to begin the installation process.
Ignore Error -6003 (If it Occurs): During the initial stages of installation, you might encounter an error message indicating “-6003”. This error is often benign and can be safely ignored. Simply click “OK” to continue with the installation. In some instances, the installation may appear to finish almost immediately and prompt you to reboot your computer. Allow the reboot to proceed, and then relaunch setup.exe after the system restarts to continue the full installation.
Repeat Installation for Additional Languages (Optional): If you require DAS Xentry 2014 in multiple languages, perform the installation for each desired language before proceeding to the next step. This is typically done within the setup program’s language selection options.
Post-Installation Script: Once the primary DAS Xentry 2014 installation is complete, do not click the “Finish” button to reboot your computer immediately. Instead, locate and run the after installation.bat file, which is usually included in the DAS Xentry 2014 package. This script performs crucial post-installation configurations and system tweaks necessary for proper software operation.

Alt text: Screenshot showing the location of setup.exe file within the STAR DVD directory for launching DAS Xentry 2014 installation.

Configuring COM Port Settings for Diagnostic Communication

After the software installation and post-installation script execution, configuring the COM port settings is vital for establishing communication between your computer and the Mercedes-Benz vehicle diagnostic interface.

Access Device Manager: Navigate to “Control Panel” -> “System” -> “Hardware” -> “Device Manager”.
Locate COM Port: In Device Manager, expand the “Ports (COM & LPT)” section. Identify the COM port that you have enabled for your diagnostic interface.
COM Port Properties: Right-click on the identified COM port and select “Properties”.
Port Settings Tab: Go to the “Port Settings” tab within the COM port properties window.
Configure Port Settings: Set the following values precisely:
- Bits per second: 115200
- Data bits: 8
- Parity: None
- Stop bits: 1
- Flow Control: None
Advanced Settings: Click the “Advanced…” button within the “Port Settings” tab.
Advanced COM Port Configuration: In the “Advanced Settings for COM…” window, ensure the following:
- Use FIFO buffers: Check this option to enable FIFO buffers, which improve data transfer efficiency.
- COM Port Number: Set the “COM Port Number” to “COM2”. COM2 is a commonly used and recommended COM port assignment for diagnostic interfaces.
Apply and Close: Click “OK” to save the advanced settings and then “OK” again to close the COM port properties window. Close Device Manager.

Alt text: Screenshot of Device Manager showing COM port properties with specific settings for Bits per second, Data bits, Parity, Stop bits, Flow Control, FIFO buffers, and COM Port Number set to COM2 for DAS Xentry 2014.

Finalizing Installation and User Login

Reboot Your Computer: Now, reboot your computer to apply all the configured settings.
STAR User Account Login: After rebooting, if you find the “STAR” user account is locked, try using the password “User$star2004”. This is a commonly used default password for the STAR user account in some DAS Xentry 2014 setups.
Password Reset (If Necessary): If the default password doesn’t work, log in using the “OWNER” administrator account. From the OWNER account, you can remove or reset the password for the “STAR” user account through the Windows user account management settings.

Applying DAS Xentry 2014 Fixes

Post-installation, it’s often necessary to apply certain fixes to DAS Xentry 2014 to address known issues, enhance functionality, or ensure compatibility with specific vehicle models. These fixes are typically available within a “DAS fixes” folder included with your DAS Xentry 2014 download package or from online automotive diagnostic forums and communities. Apply these fixes as instructed in their accompanying documentation.

Congratulations! You have now completed the DAS Xentry 2014 download and installation process. With careful adherence to these steps, you should have a functional DAS Xentry 2014 system ready for Mercedes-Benz vehicle diagnostics. Remember to consult online resources and communities for additional support and troubleshooting tips as needed. Good luck with your diagnostics!