For automotive repair professionals and Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, Xentry OpenShell is indispensable diagnostic software. This powerful tool allows for in-depth vehicle diagnostics, troubleshooting, and programming. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on how to perform a successful Xentry Mercedes Install on your Windows 10 system, ensuring you can effectively maintain and repair Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Before you begin the Xentry Mercedes install, it’s crucial to adjust your BIOS settings. For Windows 10 systems, you must disable the secure boot option in your BIOS. This adjustment is necessary for the software to install and run correctly. Please also note that the latest versions of Xentry OpenShell are designed for Windows 10 and are not compatible with older operating systems like Windows 7.
Now, let’s proceed with the Xentry Mercedes install process step-by-step.
Step 1: Initiate the Xentry Installation
First, locate the installation folder, typically named “XDS_[version number]”. Inside this folder, you will find a file named “start”. Simply double-click on “start” to begin the Xentry Mercedes install process.
This action will launch the installation wizard and prompt you to select your preferred language for the installation process. Choose your language from the options provided and proceed.
Next, a dialog box will appear indicating that XENTRY Diagnostic OpenShell requires certain items to be installed on your computer. Click “Install” to allow the wizard to install these necessary prerequisites.
The InstallShield Wizard will then launch to guide you through the main XENTRY Diagnostic OpenShell installation. Click “Next” to continue the process.
Carefully read and accept the terms and conditions of the license agreement. Once you have accepted, click “Next” to proceed to the next step.
You will be prompted to choose an installation location. It is highly recommended to install Xentry in the default location provided by the wizard. Simply click “Next” to continue with the default installation path.
Click “Next” again to confirm your installation settings and begin the core installation process.
The installation wizard will now display the progress of the XENTRY Diagnostic OpenShell installation.
Be patient as this process can take a considerable amount of time, potentially exceeding two hours, depending on your computer’s performance and specifications. Allow the installation to complete fully without interruption.
Wait for the installation to finish completely. Do not restart or shut down your computer during this process.
Once all modules are installed successfully, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your PC to finalize the initial installation phase.
After your PC restarts, ConfigAssist will automatically launch. Close ConfigAssist as it is not needed at this stage of the Xentry Mercedes install.
Step 2: ConnectorAPI Integration
Navigate to the “ConnectorAPI” folder within your installation files. Copy the file “ConnectorAPI64.dll”.
Next, go to C:\Windows\System32 and paste the “ConnectorAPI64.dll” file into this directory.
After pasting the DLL file, return to the “ConnectorAPI” folder and double-click on “64.reg”. This action will add necessary entries to your system registry. Confirm the action by clicking “OK” when prompted by the Registry Editor.
Step 3: XentryAPI Integration and Registry Update
Open the “SysWOW64” folder from your installation files. Locate and copy the “XentryAPI.dll” file.
Navigate to C:\Windows\SysWOW64 and paste the “XentryAPI.dll” file into this directory.
Then, in the same “SysWOW64” folder from your installation files, double-click the registry file named “old key loader for configassist or startkeycenter 64bit.reg”. Click “OK” to add these entries to your registry as well.
Step 4: Execute Blacklist Application
Run the “XDOS black list.exe” application, typically found in the main installation directory. Click “Extract” within the application interface. This step is crucial for proper software functionality.
Step 5: Integrate Vehicle Model Pictures
Copy the contents of the “Baureihen” folder, which contains vehicle model pictures, to the following directory: C:\Program Files (x86)\Mercedes-Benz\Xentry\Kontexte\Produktuebersicht\Bilder\Baureihen. This step ensures that vehicle images are displayed correctly within the Xentry software.
Step 6: Configure Global User Settings
Go to C:\ProgramData\Mercedes-Benz\config. If it doesn’t exist, create a new folder named “Xentry”.
Then, navigate to C:\ProgramData\Mercedes-Benz\config\XD_MB. Copy the file “GlobalUserSettings.properties”.
Finally, paste the copied “GlobalUserSettings.properties” file into the newly created “Xentry” folder at C:\ProgramData\Mercedes-Benz\config\Xentry.
Step 7: Activation via ConfigAssist
Now you can run ConfigAssist to proceed with the activation process. You will need to copy your Hardware ID and send it to the designated email address, often provided by your software vendor (e.g., [email protected]). Note that obtaining an activation key is usually a paid service.
Alternatively, you might use a Xentry Key Generator if you have one. For manual activation, click “Manual” in ConfigAssist and input the provided StartKey code.
After entering the StartKey, click “Save”. A confirmation message should indicate that the StartKey has been installed successfully.
Step 8: Service XML Configuration (Conditional)
For Xentry versions prior to 12.2023, navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Mercedes-Benz\Xentry\XD_MB\bin. Locate and cut the “XentryServices.xml” file to your desktop. Open the file on your desktop with Notepad. Find and delete a specific line (the original guide mentions locating and deleting a line, but does not specify which line – consult specific instructions for your Xentry version if necessary). Save the modified “XentryServices.xml” file and cut it back to its original location in the bin folder.
Repeat this process for the “XentryServices.xml” file located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Mercedes-Benz\Xentry\XD_DT\bin.
Important Note: For Xentry version 12.2023 and later, this Step 8 regarding “XentryServices.xml” can be ignored. Proceed directly to Step 9.
Step 9: Final Steps and Launching Xentry
Copy the “Backup.bat” file from your downloaded files to C:\. Double-click “Backup.bat” to run it. This will generate a “lic_key_2.dat” file in the same location – 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”, and create a shortcut to your desktop.
From now on, use this “start_Xentry” shortcut on your desktop to launch Mercedes-Benz Xentry. This is the recommended way to start the software after installation.
Your Xentry Mercedes install and activation are now complete! You are ready to use the software for Mercedes-Benz diagnostics.
To exit Xentry properly, locate and double-click the “Diagnosis Stop” icon on your desktop. This will ensure a clean shutdown of the application.
Troubleshooting Tip:
If you encounter a “SmartKey invalid” error, revisit your BIOS settings and ensure that the “Secure boot” option is disabled. This is a common cause of activation issues.
This comprehensive guide should assist you in a successful Xentry Mercedes install. By following these steps carefully, you can harness the power of Xentry for professional Mercedes-Benz vehicle diagnostics and repair.
