This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on how to perform a Xentry Open Shell Activation, essential for utilizing your Mercedes-Benz diagnostic software effectively. Whether you are a seasoned automotive technician or a dedicated DIY enthusiast, properly activating your Xentry Open Shell software is crucial for accurate vehicle diagnostics and maintenance. This tutorial is designed to be clear, concise, and SEO-optimized, ensuring you can easily follow each step and successfully activate your system.
Before we begin, please note that this guide is based on a common installation procedure and might slightly vary depending on the specific Xentry Open Shell version you are using. It is imperative to disable the “Secure Boot” option in your BIOS settings before proceeding with the installation, especially if you are using a Windows 10 system. This step is critical to ensure the software installs and runs correctly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Xentry Open Shell Activation
This section will guide you through each stage of the installation and activation process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful setup of your Xentry Open Shell diagnostic environment.
Step 1: Initiating the Xentry Open Shell Installation
Begin by locating the installation package, typically found in a folder named “XDS_[version number]”. Inside this folder, you will find a “start” application. Simply double-click this “start” application to initiate the installation process.
Alt text: Starting the Xentry Open Shell installation process by double-clicking the start application.
You will be prompted to select your preferred language for the installation. Choose your language from the available options to proceed.
Alt text: Selecting the preferred language for the Xentry Open Shell software installation.
XENTRY Diagnostic OpenShell will then check for necessary prerequisites on your computer. If any components are missing, it will prompt you to install them. Click “Install” to begin installing these required components.
Alt text: Initiating the installation of prerequisite components for Xentry Diagnostic OpenShell software.
The InstallShield Wizard will launch to guide you through the main XENTRY Diagnostic OpenShell installation. Click “Next” to continue.
Alt text: Welcome screen of the InstallShield Wizard for XENTRY Diagnostic OpenShell software setup.
Carefully read and accept the terms and conditions of the software license agreement, then click “Next”.
You will be asked to choose an installation location. It is highly recommended to install Xentry to the default location for optimal performance and stability. Simply click “Next” to proceed with the default installation path.
Alt text: Selecting the default destination folder for the Xentry OpenShell software installation process.
Confirm your settings and click “Next” to continue.
Alt text: Confirming installation settings before beginning the Xentry OpenShell software installation.
Finally, click “Install” to begin the main installation process.
Alt text: Starting the main installation process of Xentry Diagnostic OpenShell on the computer.
The installation process may take a considerable amount of time, potentially over two hours, depending on your computer’s performance. Please be patient and allow the InstallShield Wizard to complete the installation.
Alt text: Progress bar indicating the installation of XENTRY Diagnostic OpenShell, which may take several hours.
Once all modules are installed, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Follow the on-screen instructions to restart. After restarting, ConfigAssist may run automatically. Close ConfigAssist as it is not needed at this stage.
Step 2: Configuring ConnectorAPI
Navigate to the “ConnectorAPI” folder within your installation files. Copy the “ConnectorAPI64.dll” file to C:WindowsSystem32.
Next, locate and double-click the “64.reg” file. This will add necessary entries to your system registry. Confirm the action by clicking “OK” when prompted.
Step 3: Configuring XentryAPI
Open the “SysWOW64” folder, and copy the “XentryAPI.dll” file to C:WindowsSysWOW64.
Then, double-click the “old key loader for configassist or startkeycenter 64bit.reg” file. Click “OK” to add its entries to the registry.
Alt text: Registry Editor prompt showing the addition of the old key loader for Xentry Open Shell activation.
Alt text: File Explorer showing the process of copying XentryAPI.dll to the Windows SysWOW64 directory.
Step 4: Running XDOS Blacklist
Execute the “XDOS black list.exe” application and click “Extract”. This step is important for bypassing potential blacklisting issues.
Step 5: Copying Baureihen Pictures
Copy the contents of the “Baureihen” folder to the following directory: C:Program Files (x86)Mercedes-BenzXentryKontexteProduktuebersichtBilderBaureihen. This ensures vehicle model images are displayed correctly within Xentry.
Step 6: Configuring GlobalUserSettings
Navigate to C:ProgramDataMercedes-BenzconfigXD_MB and copy the file “GlobalUserSettings.properties“. Then, go to C:ProgramDataMercedes-Benzconfig and create a new folder named “Xentry”. Paste the copied “GlobalUserSettings.properties” file into this newly created “Xentry” folder.
Step 7: Activating Xentry Open Shell
Now you can run ConfigAssist to proceed with the activation. You will need your Hardware ID, which you should provide to ECUTOOL at [email protected]. Please note that obtaining an activation key is a paid service.
Alt text: Advertisement for Xentry Open Shell activation service, highlighting ONE PC activation.
If you have purchased the activation service, you will receive a Smart Key code. In ConfigAssist, click “Manual”, enter the provided StartKey code, and click “Save”.
Alt text: Entering the Smart Key code manually in ConfigAssist for Xentry Open Shell software activation.
A confirmation message will indicate that the StartKey has been installed successfully.
Alt text: Confirmation message indicating successful StartKey installation for Xentry Open Shell activation.
Alt text: Final steps in the Xentry Open Shell activation process, showing configuration completion.
Step 8: Modifying XentryServices.xml (For Older Versions)
For versions older than 12.2023, follow this step. If you are using version 12.2023 or newer, skip to Step 9.
Navigate to C:Program Files (x86)Mercedes-BenzXentryXD_MBbin. Cut the “XentryServices.xml” file to your desktop. Open it with Notepad, locate and delete a specific line (refer to specific instructions provided with your software for the exact line to delete, as it varies). Save the modified file and cut it back to C:Program Files (x86)Mercedes-BenzXentryXD_MBbin.
Repeat this process for the “XentryServices.xml” file located in C:Program Files (x86)Mercedes-BenzXentryXD_DTbin.
Step 9: Backup and Start Script
Copy the “Backup.bat” file to your C: drive and run it by double-clicking. 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-BenzXentryXD_MB. Right-click on this file and create a shortcut on your desktop. Always use this “start_Xentry” shortcut to launch Benz Xentry instead of the standard executable.
Troubleshooting Common Xentry Open Shell Activation Issues
Resolving “2221-45 No access authorization” Error
If you encounter the “2221-45 No access authorization” error in Benz Xentry, this usually indicates an issue with the activation or licensing. Double-check your StartKey installation and ensure all steps have been followed correctly. If the issue persists, contact your software provider for support.
Invalid SmartKey Issues
If you receive an “invalid SmartKey” error, the most common cause is the “Secure Boot” option being enabled in your BIOS settings. Reboot your computer, enter BIOS settings, and ensure “Secure Boot” is disabled. Save the BIOS settings and restart your computer. This should resolve the SmartKey invalid error.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully completed the Xentry Open Shell activation process. By following these steps, you can now effectively use your Mercedes-Benz diagnostic software. Remember to always use the “start_Xentry” shortcut to launch the software and consult troubleshooting steps if you encounter any issues. Proper activation ensures smooth and reliable diagnostics for your Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
