[deanrantala]

I am about ready to get my SDS (C3) system put together and all ready.

Before I do, I just want to be sure I have "all my ducks in a row" and have a few questions I need to ask...

1) Xentry/DAS

I understand DAS is accessed via Xentry, but is there a seperate license process for each? Again, I am using a C3 mux - so I want to be 100% clear how many serials/keys/etc I will need to get DAS/Xentry working.

2) Using under VMWare

I have heard mix success with this. Just how A) Safe and B) Reliable is running the Xentry/DAS setup under VMWare?

3) Putting it all together

In order to get my Xentry/DAS setup working with my C3 mux, is there anything else (additional software), pills, prayers, etc needed to make these 2 (err 3?) main pieces "work together"?

4) Advantages to using pre-installed images

I am a seasoned conputer tech/programmer and so manipulating the computer-side of things is no problem. With that said, what are the advantages (if any) to using a pre-installed image such as Vmware, Dell 630 or IBM?

5) Using Serial-to-USB adapters

I hear some people talk about how "not to use usb-to-serial" adapters, then I hear others say it works fine. As a computer programmer, I can say this: from the perspective of software, a program typically does not know the difference if you are using a usb-to-serial interface or a pci-to-serial interface. Hardware abstraction (within the OS) completely hides this from the application.

Is there ultimately any issues running DAS/Xentry to the C3 mux via usb-to-serial, or should I stick with an old-fashioned serial interface?

IN CLOSING:

I plan to put all this information together in one neat little spot WITH the complete installer images, etc and upload it as a SINGLE archive to save people in the future from having to pull their hair out getting this set up.

Many thanks in advance!

- Dean

[Darnott]

Dean,
No to VMWare and USB-Serial adapters, VMWare is dog slow and very, very few adapters work.
Just get a cheap old laptop with serial port, Dell E550 D630, whatever.
Install XP, use the "Install Guide" on this forum and install it youself, easy.
Other "seasoned computer tech/programmers" have failed, if so, just use my 03-04.2014 C3 image on this forum.
Prayers and pills won't help, just skill and knowledge!
Good Luck
Regards

[deanrantala]

Round 2 on the questions....

So I have read over 2 different install guides, one of them is "Mr Zoolookas". Everything done to the "t", but during initial installation of the Xentry system, I get an error about invalid key (contact service center). I forget the exact error off-hand, but it is during the initial install (never actually get past the install). Partitioning was done, all steps followed exactly as outlined by the guide.

So besides that issue, I would like to post my next wave of questions (one of which may correct the above issue)...

1.a) I am trying to install Xentry 03-2014 (full install, 2 DVD images). Is there a specific guide or anything special that I need to be doing in addition to the Mr Zoolookas guide I have found?

1.b) Do I need to use a Dell D630 or IBM for any specific reason, or can I use any Windows XP based computer with a hardware serial port? I ask because i am not sure if the Xentry system is "expecting" a particular system brand/bios/etc.

2) Is there a more recent version of the Zoolookas guide I should be following (I have "Mr Zoolookas Guide 2"). I am happy to read and learn myself - but I think I need a bit of help getting pointed the correct place to search for the correct info.

3) Regarding keygens: is there a specific keygen for 03-2014, or are these keygens "universal". I have one, but it does not seem to let me change the AppID.

4) Once the key is correctly entered, does this expire? Will I need to re-enter it every 90 days or must i screw with keeping the date/time moved back all the time?

5) Should I have all internet access disconnected from my Xentry system during install (and perhaps even after?)

6) Last question (for now): The AppID.. mine was showing 253. Although the download was for 03-2014, is this the correct AppID, or is this something that has been hacked/tweaked/modified in order to make the keygens work?

Thanks in advance for any info anyone has. I want to fully understand all the "why's" so I can create a comprehensive guide myself for others to follow.

On a side note: I host/manage a small Datacenter business and would be happy to host some of these files myself (at least until Diamler sends a CAD letter). Everything in one place: installer files, fixes, keygens, etc all in one archive without silly sharing sites, speed limits or multiple files. Just clean simple FTP.

Once wrapped up with the Xentry, I am moving to the Rheingold/INPA/NCS stuff...

[da14u]

Round 2 on the questions....

You ask too many questions, I bet its not that difficult and many of us had similar questions on our mind when installing first time:

So I have read over 2 different install guides, one of them is "Mr Zoolookas". Everything done to the "t", but during initial installation of the Xentry system, I get an error about invalid key (contact service center). I forget the exact error off-hand, but it is during the initial install (never actually get past the install). Partitioning was done, all steps followed exactly as outlined by the guide.

Latest guide for zolookas is available here, keygen are also available here on this forum use (SEARCH)

So besides that issue, I would like to post my next wave of questions (one of which may correct the above issue)...

1.a) I am trying to install Xentry 03-2014 (full install, 2 DVD images). Is there a specific guide or anything special that I need to be doing in addition to the Mr Zoolookas guide I have found?

Yes in addition to that you need to copy the VBoxsevice.exe (AppID253) to startup folder if you haven't done so, so your keys can be recognised through AppID253.

1.b) Do I need to use a Dell D630 or IBM for any specific reason, or can I use any Windows XP based computer with a hardware serial port? I ask because i am not sure if the Xentry system is "expecting" a particular system brand/bios/etc.

No, not any specific PC is used by Xentry, as long as you meet the requirements you can use any PC with XP/SP3. Personally I use D630 with 4GB RAM and 1TB HDD/two partitions/one for MB STAR and other for all other diagnostics..i.e Autocom, Canclip etc

2) Is there a more recent version of the Zoolookas guide I should be following (I have "Mr Zoolookas Guide 2"). I am happy to read and learn myself - but I think I need a bit of help getting pointed the correct place to search for the correct info.

Answered above,search this forum.

3) Regarding keygens: is there a specific keygen for 03-2014, or are these keygens "universal". I have one, but it does not seem to let me change the AppID.

Answered above,search this forum.

4) Once the key is correctly entered, does this expire? Will I need to re-enter it every 90 days or must i screw with keeping the date/time moved back all the time?

Of course the key will expire on your given date in the keygen.

5) Should I have all internet access disconnected from my Xentry system during install (and perhaps even after?)

Doesn't matter, C3's are safe unlike the C4's. Even C4's are safe if you apply the Xentry blacklist fix.

6) Last question (for now): The AppID.. mine was showing 253. Although the download was for 03-2014, is this the correct AppID, or is this something that has been hacked/tweaked/modified in order to make the keygens work?

If it was showing 253 then you're OK to carry on.

Thanks in advance for any info anyone has. I want to fully understand all the "why's" so I can create a comprehensive guide myself for others to follow.

Your welcome and an extensive guide has been created by me covering each and every step, PM if you need it.

On a side note: I host/manage a small Datacenter business and would be happy to host some of these files myself (at least until Diamler sends a CAD letter). Everything in one place: installer files, fixes, keygens, etc all in one archive without silly sharing sites, speed limits or multiple files. Just clean simple FTP.

Once wrapped up with the Xentry, I am moving to the Rheingold/INPA/NCS stuff...

Good Luck.

[kaizer_soze]

2) Using under VMWare

I have heard mix success with this. Just how A) Safe and B) Reliable is running the Xentry/DAS setup under VMWare?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is reliable and safe and fast. Depends on the USB to serial you buy. Just buy a good card.
If you want like me to have all diagnostics on one PC and don't own a shop, there is no other way than VMWare.
If you have/help/associate a shop and do many diagnoses per day buy a laptop

[deanrantala]

I just bought a shop, so I am buying a laptop.

Actually test-installing on a small desktop (with native serial) now to "familiarize myself" with the process.

Found a D630 on CL for $75, I think I will grab one.