Setting Up XENTRY/DAS/Vediamo: Accessing Your XENTRY Files from HDD for Mercedes-Benz Diagnostics

For automotive technicians specializing in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, XENTRY/DAS and Vediamo are indispensable diagnostic and programming tools. These powerful software suites allow for comprehensive vehicle analysis, troubleshooting, and module programming. A crucial aspect of utilizing these tools effectively is the initial setup, which involves configuring network settings, activating the software, and establishing a connection with the vehicle’s diagnostic system. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough to ensure a smooth setup process, enabling you to access your XENTRY files from your HDD and begin diagnosing Mercedes-Benz vehicles efficiently.

Enabling Virtualization in BIOS

The first step in preparing your system for XENTRY/DAS/Vediamo is to ensure that virtualization is enabled in your computer’s BIOS settings. Virtualization is a hardware feature that allows you to run a virtual machine, which is necessary for running the XENTRY/DAS software environment.

1. Access BIOS Settings: Restart your computer. As it boots up, press the designated key to enter BIOS setup. This key varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer but is commonly Del, F2, F10, F12, or Esc. Refer to your computer’s manual or the boot screen for the correct key.
2. Locate Virtualization Settings: Once in BIOS, navigate through the menus to find the virtualization settings. These settings may be labeled differently depending on your BIOS, such as “Virtualization Technology (VT-x),” “Intel Virtualization Technology,” “AMD-V,” or “SVM (Secure Virtual Machine).” They are typically found under the “Advanced,” “Processor,” or “CPU Configuration” sections.
3. Enable Virtualization: If the virtualization setting is disabled (often labeled as “Disabled”), change it to “Enabled.”
4. Save and Exit: After enabling virtualization, save the changes and exit BIOS setup. Your computer will restart.

Alt text: Screenshot of BIOS settings highlighting the Virtualization Technology option set to Enabled, crucial for running XENTRY diagnostic software.

Activating XENTRY with StarKey Center

After ensuring virtualization is enabled, you’ll need to activate your XENTRY software using the provided key through the StarKey Center application. This step is essential for licensing the software and gaining access to its full functionality, allowing you to effectively utilize the XENTRY files from your HDD.

1. Open StarKey Center: Locate and run the StarKey Center application on your system.
2. Enter Activation Key: Within StarKey Center, navigate to the activation section. This might be labeled “License,” “Activation,” or similar. Look for an input field to enter your activation key.
3. Paste the Key: Carefully copy the provided activation key: JY53-LWYN-5STK-DNCV-MTNX-55UZ-LWPX-CNEW-XRWN-LQZA-MG4U-S6P7-W224-9NR7-NH2R-329V-GSZK-V6G4-2SGH-6S64-WR6E-HYWX-Q4MF-L5AA-U7CV-HWGU-5DV3-V2WW-SE5Y-JHYM-J6PQ-VTKX-Z82X-DUWN-A3Z6-W65G-SJPL-UZU7-7E8G-MN2 and paste it into the designated field in StarKey Center.
4. Save Activation: Click the “Save” or “Activate” button within StarKey Center to apply the license key. The application should confirm successful activation.

Alt text: Screenshot of StarKey Center application showing the license activation section where the XENTRY key is pasted for software authorization.

Configuring Host PC Network Settings

To ensure proper communication between your computer, the diagnostic multiplexer, and the virtual machine running XENTRY/DAS, you need to configure the network settings on your host operating system. This involves setting a static IP address for your local area connection.

1. Open Network and Sharing Center: Navigate to “Control Panel” and then click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
2. Access Network Connections: In the Network and Sharing Center, click on “Change adapter settings” on the left-hand sidebar.
3. Local Area Connection Properties: Right-click on your “Local Area Connection” (or the active Ethernet adapter you will be using for diagnostics) and select “Properties.”
4. 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 the “Properties” button.
5. Set Static IP Address: Select the radio button “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
6. Click OK: Click “OK” in the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties window and then “Close” in the Local Area Connection Properties window.

Alt text: Screenshot of Windows Network Adapter Properties showing IPv4 settings configured with a static IP address 172.29.127.128 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0 for XENTRY diagnostics.

Bridging Network Connection in VMware

VMware Workstation needs to be configured to bridge your virtual machine’s network connection to your host PC’s Ethernet adapter. This bridging allows the virtual machine to communicate directly with the diagnostic multiplexer connected to your physical network.

1. Open VMware Virtual Network Editor: Launch VMware Workstation. Go to “Edit” in the menu bar and select “Virtual Network Editor.” You may need administrator privileges for this.
2. Select VMnet0 (or appropriate VMnet): In the Virtual Network Editor, select “VMnet0” from the list of virtual networks. If VMnet0 is already in use or configured differently, you may use another VMnet (e.g., VMnet1) and adjust the virtual machine settings accordingly.
3. Bridge to Ethernet Adapter: In the “Bridged to” section, ensure that your Ethernet adapter is selected from the dropdown menu. This is typically labeled with the name of your Ethernet adapter. If you have multiple network adapters, choose the one you intend to use for the diagnostic connection.
4. Apply Changes: Click “Apply” and then “OK” in the Virtual Network Editor to save the changes.

Alt text: Screenshot of VMware Virtual Network Editor highlighting VMnet0 bridged to a specific Ethernet adapter, enabling network communication for the XENTRY virtual machine.

Configuring Virtual Machine Network Settings

Within the virtual machine itself, you also need to configure the network settings to match the host PC and ensure proper network communication within the virtual environment.

1. Run the Virtual Machine: Start your XENTRY/DAS virtual machine in VMware Workstation.
2. Open Network Connections in VM: Once the virtual machine has booted up, navigate to “Start” (in the virtual machine’s operating system) and then “Control Panel.” Open “Network Connections” (or “Network and Sharing Center” depending on the OS version).
3. Local Area Connection Properties (VM): Right-click on “Local Area Connection” inside the virtual machine and select “Properties.”
4. Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4): Select “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)” or “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” (depending on the OS version within the VM) and click “Properties.”
5. Set Static IP Address (VM): Select “Use the following IP address” and enter the same IP address and subnet mask as you set on the host PC:
   • IP address: 172.29.127.128
   • Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
6. Click OK (VM): Click “OK” in the Internet Protocol Properties window and then “OK” in the Local Area Connection Properties window within the virtual machine.

Alt text: Screenshot of the virtual machine’s Network Adapter Properties configured with the same static IP address 172.29.127.128 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0 as the host PC for seamless XENTRY communication.

Connecting SDConnect C4 Multiplexer

With the network configuration complete, you can now connect the SDConnect C4 multiplexer to your computer and the Mercedes-Benz vehicle. This hardware connection is the bridge between your software and the vehicle’s electronic control units (ECUs).

1. Connect SDConnect C4 to Computer: Use an Ethernet cable to connect the SDConnect C4 multiplexer to your computer’s Ethernet port.
2. Connect SDConnect C4 to Vehicle OBD Port: Connect the OBD-II cable from the SDConnect C4 to the OBD-II port of your Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Ensure the vehicle’s ignition is turned ON.
3. Observe SDConnect Indicator: Check the bottom right corner of your screen (typically in the system tray) for the SDConnect Manager icon. Observe the lock icon next to “sdconnect (lock – 01).”
4. Blue Lock Indicator: Wait for the lock icon to turn blue. A blue lock indicator signifies that the SDConnect C4 multiplexer has been detected by the system and communication has been established between your laptop and the C4. This confirms that the software is ready to access vehicle data through the multiplexer.

Alt text: Image of SDConnect C4 multiplexer connected to a laptop and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle’s OBD-II port, illustrating the physical connection required for XENTRY diagnostics.

Running DAS and Performing a Quick Scan

Once the SDConnect C4 is connected and recognized, you can launch DAS (Diagnostic Assistance System) and perform a quick scan to verify the entire setup is functioning correctly. This quick scan is a preliminary diagnostic step to ensure communication with the vehicle’s systems.

1. Run DAS: Locate the DAS shortcut on your virtual machine’s desktop (often represented by the Mercedes-Benz emblem) and double-click it to launch the DAS application.
2. Navigate to Quick Scan: Follow the on-screen prompts within DAS to navigate to the vehicle selection menu and choose your Mercedes-Benz model. Once the vehicle is identified, proceed to the diagnostic functions and select “Quick Scan” or “Quick Test.”
3. Initiate Scan: Start the quick scan process. DAS will communicate with the vehicle’s ECUs through the SDConnect C4 multiplexer and perform a rapid system check.
4. Verify Functionality: Observe the scan progress and results. If everything is working correctly, DAS should successfully complete the quick scan, displaying any fault codes or system information. This confirms that your XENTRY/DAS setup is operational and ready for more in-depth diagnostics.

Alt text: Screenshot of the DAS software interface during a Quick Scan, showing the progress and results of the diagnostic check on a Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

Proceeding to Vediamo

With DAS successfully running and communicating with the vehicle, you are now prepared to utilize Vediamo for more advanced engineering functions, module programming, and deeper system analysis. Vediamo builds upon the foundation established by XENTRY/DAS, offering extended capabilities for Mercedes-Benz vehicle diagnostics and customization.

By following these steps, you can effectively set up your XENTRY/DAS/Vediamo system, ensuring proper network configuration and hardware connection. This setup allows you to seamlessly access XENTRY files from your HDD, enabling comprehensive diagnostics and programming for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Remember to always consult official documentation and resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.