Setting Up Xentry for Mercedes Diagnostics: A Step-by-Step Guide

For automotive professionals and enthusiasts working with Mercedes-Benz vehicles, Xentry is an indispensable diagnostic tool. Setting Up Xentry correctly is crucial for effective vehicle diagnostics, programming, and module coding. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough to help you get your Xentry system up and running smoothly, focusing on the essential configurations for optimal performance with your Mercedes-Benz diagnostic setup.

Step 1: Enabling Virtualization in BIOS

Before you begin installing or configuring Xentry, ensure that virtualization is enabled in your computer’s BIOS settings. This is often a prerequisite for running virtual machines, which are commonly used to host Xentry and DAS (Diagnostic Assistance System) software.

1. Access BIOS: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup. The key to press varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer (Del, F2, F10, F12, or Esc are common). Refer to your computer’s manual or startup screen for the correct key.
2. Locate Virtualization Settings: Navigate through the BIOS menus to find settings related to “Virtualization,” “Virtualization Technology (VT-x),” “SVM (Secure Virtual Machine),” or “Intel Virtualization Technology.” These settings might be located under “CPU Configuration,” “Advanced Settings,” or “System Configuration.”
3. Enable Virtualization: If the virtualization setting is disabled, enable it.
4. Save and Exit: Save the changes you made in BIOS and exit. Your computer will restart.

Step 2: Activating StarKey Center

StarKey Center is a crucial component for licensing and activating your Xentry software. After installing StarKey Center, you’ll need to activate it using your provided key.

1. Open StarKey Center: Locate and run the StarKey Center application on your computer.
2. Enter Activation Key: Navigate to the activation section within StarKey Center. You will typically find an input field to enter your Xentry activation key.
3. Paste Your Key: Carefully paste your Xentry key into the designated field. Ensure there are no extra spaces or typos.
4. Save Activation: Click the “Save” or “Activate” button within StarKey Center to apply the key. StarKey Center should confirm successful activation.

Step 3: Configuring Host Network Adapter IP Address

To establish proper communication between your computer, the diagnostic interface (like a C4), and the virtual machine running Xentry, you need to configure a static IP address on your host computer’s network adapter.

1. Open Network Connections: Go to “Control Panel” -> “Network and Sharing Center” -> “Network Connections” (or simply search for “Network Connections” in the Windows search bar).
2. Locate Local Area Connection: Identify your active network adapter, usually named “Local Area Connection” or “Ethernet.” Right-click on it and select “Properties.”
3. Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): In the properties window, scroll down and find “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and select it, then click “Properties.”
4. Set Static IP Address: Choose the option “Use the following IP address.” Enter the following IP address and subnet mask:
   • IP address: 172.29.127.128
   • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
5. Click OK: Click “OK” in the “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties” window and then “Close” in the “Local Area Connection Properties” window.

Step 4: Bridging VMnet in VMware Workstation

VMware Workstation (or similar virtualization software) needs to be configured to bridge the virtual machine’s network connection to your physical Ethernet adapter. This allows the VM to communicate on the same network as your host machine and the diagnostic interface.

1. Open VMware Workstation: Launch VMware Workstation.
2. Virtual Network Editor: Go to “Edit” -> “Virtual Network Editor.” You might need administrative privileges for this step.
3. Select VMnet0 (or Available Bridged Network): In the Virtual Network Editor, select “VMnet0.” If VMnet0 is not available or already in use, choose another VMnet (e.g., VMnet1) and ensure it’s configured as “Bridged.”
4. Bridge to Ethernet Connection: In the “Bridged to” dropdown menu, select your Ethernet adapter. This will typically be labeled with the name of your Ethernet card.
5. Apply Changes: Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes in the Virtual Network Editor.

Step 5: Configuring Virtual Machine Network Adapter IP

Just like the host machine, the virtual machine running Xentry also requires a static IP address within the same network range.

1. Start the Virtual Machine: Power on your virtual machine that is running Xentry/DAS.
2. Open Network Connections in VM: Within the virtual machine’s operating system (usually Windows), go to “Control Panel” -> “Network and Sharing Center” -> “Network Connections.”
3. Locate Local Area Connection in VM: Find the “Local Area Connection” inside the virtual machine, right-click on it, and select “Properties.”
4. Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): Depending on the Windows version in your VM, select either “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)” or “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4),” then click “Properties.”
5. Set Static IP Address in VM: Choose “Use the following IP address” and enter the same IP address and subnet mask as you used for the host machine:
   • IP address: 172.29.127.128
   • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
6. Click OK: Click “OK” in the IP properties and then “Close” in the network connection properties.

Step 6: Connecting the C4 Interface

Now you are ready to physically connect your Mercedes diagnostic C4 interface to your computer and the vehicle.

1. Connect C4 to Computer: Use an Ethernet cable to connect your C4 interface to your computer’s Ethernet port.
2. Connect C4 to Vehicle OBD Port: Locate the OBD-II port in your Mercedes-Benz vehicle (usually under the dashboard on the driver’s side). Connect the OBD-II cable from the C4 interface to the vehicle’s OBD port.
3. Observe SDconnect Indicator: Power on the vehicle’s ignition. Observe the bottom right corner of your screen (or the SDconnect Toolkit if you have it running). Look for the SDconnect indicator. Initially, it might show a red lock icon with “01.”
4. Blue Lock (C4 Detected): Wait for the SDconnect indicator to turn blue with a lock icon and “01.” This indicates that the C4 interface has been detected and is communicating with your laptop. This process might take a few moments.

Step 7: Running DAS Quick Test

With the C4 interface connected and recognized, you can now launch DAS (Diagnostic Assistance System) to perform a quick test and verify your Xentry setup.

1. Run DAS: On your virtual machine desktop, double-click the Mercedes-Benz emblem or the DAS shortcut to launch the Diagnostic Assistance System.
2. Quick Scan: Navigate through the DAS menus to initiate a “Quick Scan” or “Quick Test.” This will perform a basic diagnostic scan of the vehicle’s systems.
3. Verify Functionality: If everything is set up correctly, DAS should successfully communicate with the vehicle through the C4 interface and complete the quick scan without errors related to communication or interface detection.
4. Proceed to Vediamo (Optional): Once you have confirmed that DAS is working, you are ready to explore more advanced functionalities with Vediamo or other Xentry applications as needed for module programming, coding, or deeper diagnostics.

By following these steps, you should have a properly configured Xentry system ready for Mercedes-Benz diagnostics. Remember to consult your specific Xentry software documentation and hardware manuals for any additional details or troubleshooting guidance.