Xentry Installation Guide: Step-by-Step for Windows 10

Installing Xentry, the comprehensive diagnostic software for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, might seem daunting, but with the right guidance, the process becomes straightforward. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough to help you successfully install Xentry on your Windows 10 system, ensuring you can effectively diagnose and service Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Whether you are a professional mechanic or a dedicated car enthusiast, this Xentry Installation Guide will help you navigate each stage of the setup.

Before you begin the installation of your Mercedes-Benz diagnostic software, it’s crucial to prepare your Windows 10 system. A key preliminary step is to disable the Secure Boot option in your BIOS settings. This adjustment is necessary for compatibility and to ensure a smooth installation process for Xentry Open Shell. Please note that the latest versions of Xentry are designed to operate optimally on Windows 10, and compatibility with older operating systems like Windows 7 is not supported.

Step-by-Step Xentry Installation Process

The installation process for Xentry Open Shell 12.2023, and subsequent versions, follows similar procedures to previous releases. While the screenshots might depict older versions, the steps remain consistent, ensuring this guide is applicable to the latest Xentry software.

Step 1: Start the Installation

Begin by locating the installation folder, typically named “XDS_[version number]”. Inside this folder, find and double-click the “start” application to initiate the Xentry installation process.

Step 2: Language Selection and Prerequisites

You will be prompted to select your preferred language for the installation. Choose from the available options to proceed with the Xentry setup in your chosen language.

XENTRY Diagnostic OpenShell requires several prerequisite components to be installed on your computer to function correctly. Click “Install” to allow the setup wizard to begin installing these necessary items.

Step 3: InstallShield Wizard and Setup

The InstallShield Wizard will launch to guide you through the XENTRY Diagnostic OpenShell installation. Click “Next” to continue with the setup process.

Carefully read and accept the terms and conditions of the license agreement. Once you have accepted the terms, click “Next” to proceed with the installation.

You will be prompted to choose an installation location for Xentry. It is recommended to install Xentry in the default location provided by the installer. Simply click “Next” to continue with the default installation path.

Click “Next” again to confirm your settings and proceed to the next stage of the Xentry installation process.

Step 4: Completing the Installation

The InstallShield Wizard will now install XENTRY Diagnostic OpenShell on your computer. This process may take a considerable amount of time, potentially exceeding two hours, depending on your computer’s performance. Allow the installation to proceed without interruption.

Wait patiently as the installation finishes. It’s crucial to let all modules install completely to ensure proper functioning of the Xentry software.

After all modules are successfully installed, follow the on-screen prompts to restart your PC. This restart is necessary to finalize the Xentry installation and for the changes to take effect.

Once your PC restarts, the ConfigAssist application may run automatically. Close ConfigAssist as this step is not immediately required and further configuration will be handled later in the process.

Step 5: Post-Installation Configuration

After the main installation, several manual steps are required to configure Xentry correctly.

ConnectorAPI Configuration: Navigate to the “ConnectorAPI” folder provided with your software. Copy the “ConnectorAPI64.dll” file to C:\Windows\System32. Then, double-click the “64.reg” file and confirm to add it to the system registry by clicking “OK”.
XentryAPI Configuration: Open the “SysWOW64” folder. Copy the “XentryAPI.dll” file and paste it into C:\Windows\SysWOW64. Next, double-click the “old key loader for configassist or startkeycenter 64bit.reg” file and click “OK” to add it to the registry list.
Blacklist Application: Run the “XDOS black list.exe” application and click “Extract”.
Vehicle Model Pictures: Copy the contents of the “Baureihen” folder to C:\Program Files (x86)\Mercedes-Benz\Xentry\Kontexte\Produktuebersicht\Bilder\Baureihen.
GlobalUserSettings Configuration: 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 the “GlobalUserSettings.properties” file to the newly created C:\ProgramData\Mercedes-Benz\config\Xentry folder.

Step 6: Activation Process

To activate your Xentry software, you will need a StartKey.

Run ConfigAssist to obtain your Hardware ID.
Send your Hardware ID to [email protected]. Please note that obtaining an activation key is a paid service.
Alternatively, you can purchase the XENTRY Advanced KeyGen 1.1 for self-activation on multiple PCs if needed. (Refer to: XENTRY Advanced KeyGen 1.1 Long Key Download). If you prefer professional activation service, consider: Xentry.OpenShell.XDOS Installation Service (ONE PC activation).
Once you receive your StartKey code, in ConfigAssist, click “Manual”, input the StartKey code, and click “Save”. A “StartKey installed successfully” message will confirm successful activation.

Step 7: Final Steps and Running Xentry

(For versions prior to 12.2023): Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Mercedes-Benz\Xentry\XD_MB\bin. Cut the “XentryServices.xml” file to your desktop. Open it with Notepad, locate and delete a specific line (details may vary, consult specific instructions for your version), and save. Cut the modified “XentryServices.xml” file back to C:\Program Files (x86)\Mercedes-Benz\Xentry\XD_MB\bin. Repeat this process for the “XentryServices.xml” file in C:\Program Files (x86)\Mercedes-Benz\Xentry\XD_DT\bin. (For version 12.2023 and later, ignore this step.)
Backup and Shortcut Creation: Copy the “Backup.bat” file to C:\ and run it. This will generate a “lic_key_2.dat” file (do not delete this file). Copy the “start_Xentry.bat” file to C:\Program Files (x86)\Mercedes-Benz\Xentry\XD_MB. Right-click on “start_Xentry.bat”, send it to Desktop as a shortcut. Use this shortcut to launch Xentry moving forward.

Your Xentry installation and activation are now complete. Always use the “start_Xentry” shortcut on your desktop to launch the Mercedes-Benz diagnostic software. To properly exit Xentry, use the “Diagnosis Stop” icon on your desktop.

Troubleshooting SmartKey Issues

SmartKey Invalid Error: If you encounter a “SmartKey invalid” error message, revisit your BIOS settings and ensure that the “Secure boot” option is disabled. This is a common cause for SmartKey validation failures during Xentry activation.

This comprehensive guide should assist you in successfully installing and activating your Xentry diagnostic software. For further tools and resources to enhance your automotive diagnostics, visit xentryportal.store.