MB Star computer

I seem to remember reading somehwere installing the batteries does cause problems on the Star computer. Somewhere I read that the only reason you would need batteries is as a backup if you were updating the computer.
The Star comes with a long green ethernet cable that runs between the multiplexer and the laptop. Using the ethernet cable shows a link light on the laptop along with an occasional data light flashing. The multiplexer shows a cat 5 connection cord in it's display. But it says "Device not in use" regardless of what I do.
The network connection for the WiFi connnection is set to DHCP. I may try a static address in the laptop to match the IP of the multiplexer and see if that cures it. When I go to open Vediamo from the Star main menu it tells me it needs a code. So I suspect there is a code generator somewhere to click on to generate a code. Thank you Matthew for the reply and also Hi JZ !! Thank you too.DCO

Hi Jesse. Yes I connect the Star to the Smart with the ODBII cable. But I also have a friends 1995 Mercedes S320. To the 320 I first connected it to the ODBII. Then I used that round 16 pin(I think) cable and connected it to a connector under a panel door under the hood over on the passenger side. I got the same "Device not in use" message in the multiplexer.