Troubleshooting VXDIAG VCX SE Firmware Issues with Xentry 12.2017

Are you experiencing difficulties connecting your VXDIAG VCX SE for Benz with your Xentry 12.2017 software? Many users encounter a frustrating error message from the VCI Monitor indicating that the “Firmware is newer than the Software” installed on their laptop. This guide provides expert solutions to resolve this compatibility issue and get your diagnostic system up and running with Xentry 12.2017.

This problem arises because newer VXDIAG VCX SE devices often ship with firmware versions that are incompatible with older Xentry software releases like 12.2017. While ideally, downgrading firmware might seem like a direct solution, it’s not always feasible or recommended. Fortunately, VXDIAGSHOP offers practical workarounds to bridge this gap without requiring firmware downgrades or forcing you to immediately upgrade your entire Xentry software suite.

Below, we present two effective methods to address the “Firmware is newer than Software” error and establish a stable connection between your VXDIAG VCX SE and Xentry 12.2017. We recommend starting with Method 1, as it is generally quicker and resolves the issue for most users.

Method 1: Applying the VCI Patch for Firmware Compatibility

The most common cause of firmware incompatibility with older Xentry versions is missing VCI patch files. These patches are designed to ensure that your VXDIAG VCX SE device can communicate effectively with the software, regardless of minor firmware version discrepancies.

Here’s how to apply the VCI patch to potentially resolve the issue with your Xentry 12.2017 setup:

1. Download the VCI Firmware Update Patch: Obtain the necessary patch from a reliable source. VXDIAGSHOP provides a dedicated patch designed for this specific problem. You can download the “vcx se benz vci firmware update patch” from this link: https://mega.nz/file/HUJxmCIA#z7YJ1-rDxD-bamXgL-jMO9BuD-2NjufGkMHWzoTMIMg

2. Prepare Your System: Save the downloaded patch file to your desktop for easy access.

3. Connect VXDIAG VCX SE: Connect your VXDIAG VCX SE interface to your laptop using a USB cable.

4. Install Benz VCI Driver: Open VX Manager software. Navigate to the “Diagnostic” menu within VX Manager. From there, install the “Benz VCI driver.” This step ensures your computer can properly recognize and communicate with the VXDIAG interface.

5. Run the Update Patch: Locate the downloaded patch file on your desktop and execute it. Follow the on-screen instructions to apply the patch.

6. Update Firmware (Again): After running the patch, return to VX Manager and click on the “Firmware” option. Initiate the firmware update process once more. This step ensures the firmware is correctly configured after applying the patch.

7. Keep VX Manager Updated: Ensure you are running the latest version of VX Manager. Outdated VX Manager software can sometimes contribute to communication problems. Download the most recent version from the official VXDIAGSHOP website: https://www.vxdiagshop.com/info/vxdiag-diagnostic-software-download-4048.html

After completing these steps, restart your Xentry 12.2017 software and attempt to connect to your vehicle again. In many cases, applying the VCI patch effectively resolves the firmware incompatibility error, allowing seamless diagnostics.

Method 2: Updating the Xentry VCI Driver to Match Firmware

If Method 1 does not resolve the issue, the next approach is to ensure you have the correct Xentry VCI driver version installed. Sometimes, the automatically installed driver might not be the optimal match for your specific Xentry 12.2017 software and VXDIAG VCX SE firmware combination.

This method focuses on manually selecting and installing a VCI driver version that is compatible with your Xentry software. The key is to understand the relationship between Xentry versions and recommended VCI driver versions. Generally, older Xentry versions require older VCI drivers.

Let’s illustrate this with an example provided by VXDIAGSHOP, using a newer Xentry version to demonstrate the principle, which can be adapted to Xentry 12.2017:

For instance, if you are using Xentry version 06/2021, and you encounter the “firmware too new” error (often indicated by an exclamation mark in device status), you would need to select and install the 03/2021 VCI driver.

This example shows that Xentry 06/2021 uses the VCI driver version 2021.03. You would select “VCI version 2021.03” in VX Manager and proceed with the update.

Similarly, for the latest Xentry 2022.03 software, VCI version 2021.12 is recommended.

Applying this to Xentry 12.2017:

While a direct VCI driver version recommendation for Xentry 12.2017 isn’t explicitly stated in the example, the principle remains the same. You may need to experiment with slightly older VCI driver versions available in VX Manager.

Steps to Update VCI Driver:

1. Open VX Manager: Launch the VX Manager software.
2. Navigate to VCI Update: Go to the section for VCI firmware/driver updates (usually found in the “Diagnostic” or “Firmware/License” menu).
3. Select VCI Driver Version: Instead of automatically updating, look for an option to manually select the VCI driver version. Try selecting a VCI driver version from around late 2017 or early 2018. You might need to try a couple of versions within this range.
4. Update VCI Driver: Initiate the VCI driver update process with your selected version.
5. Test Connection: After the update is complete, restart Xentry 12.2017 and attempt to connect to your vehicle.

Important Note: If you are unsure which specific VCI driver version to choose for Xentry 12.2017, it is recommended to contact VXDIAGSHOP support for guidance. They can provide the most accurate driver version recommendation based on your VXDIAG VCX SE device and Xentry software.

Test Report and Alternative Solution

While the above methods are generally effective, in some cases, users have reported that ultimately, upgrading to a newer version of Xentry software was the only solution.

As one user reported:

“I had to install a newer Xentry in order to get the problem solved. Now I have Xentry 03.2021 installed and now the VCX SE Benz works/communicates with Xentry.”

This suggests that in rare instances, the firmware on very new VXDIAG VCX SE devices might be fundamentally incompatible with very old Xentry versions like 12.2017, despite patching or driver adjustments.

If Methods 1 and 2 fail, consider:

• Upgrading Xentry: Explore upgrading to a more recent Xentry version (e.g., 2020, 2021, or newer) which is likely to have better compatibility with newer VXDIAG VCX SE firmware. VXDIAGSHOP offers newer Xentry software versions.
• Contacting Support: Reach out to VXDIAGSHOP technical support for personalized assistance. They can offer specific advice based on your device and software versions, and potentially provide alternative solutions or clarify driver compatibility.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the “Firmware is newer than Software” error and successfully use your VXDIAG VCX SE for Benz with Xentry 12.2017. Remember to start with Method 1 and proceed to Method 2 if needed. If all else fails, consider the alternative solutions, including upgrading your Xentry software or seeking direct support from VXDIAGSHOP.