STEP 1: Install Ross-Tech VCDS Software
To install program you can use provided CD or download software from here:
Ver. 21.3 with loader
Ver. 21.9.0 you will find here along the installation instruction.
Attention, To install software please carefully and EXACTLY follow EVERY steps below (it is important, so program work correctly or work at all!):
- DO NOT plug VAG-COM cable into computer yet.
- Uninstall any other VCDS versions, if present on computer. Then delete c:\Ross-Tech folder.
- Install “VCDS-Release-21.3.0-Installer.exe” (MUST tick/check on "Install 32-bit EXE on 64-bit System")
- If the installation is successful, do NOT run the software.
- Exit the Installer.
- Disconnect computer from internet and Deactivate Anti Virus software on your computer (“VCDSLoader.exe” file is a highly modified exe file and it is recognized by antivirus software as a virus so file is deleted and prevented from use). You can also add C:\Ross-Tech\ folder to folder exclusion, Here is how: Windows 10
- Copy “VCDSLoader.exe” from CD into the installation folder. Which is usually: c:\Ross-Tech\VCDS
- When install is complete, do not launch VCDS.
- Exit the Installer.
STEP 2: Plug VAG-COM Cable Into Computer
- Plug VAGCOM cable into PC. Wait about 20 sec for Windows to auto-install drivers.
- Windows will install drivers automatically.
If driver install fails, skip to Troubleshooting.
STEP 3: Disable Update Nag on Startup
- Start > Startup > Right-click "RT-Updater" > Delete
STEP 4: Disable Internet & Launch VCDS Software
- Golden Rule: Internet must be disconnected always before launching VCDS and DO NOT UPDATE THE SOFTWARE!.
- Read golden rule above? If yes, then...
- Launch software using “VCDSLoader.exe” from C:\Ross-Tech\VCDS\
- In future, ALWAYS START VCDS SOFTWARE USING “VCDSLoader.exe” from C:\Ross-Tech\VCDS\ folder .
- Go to: Options » Test (leave it as USB)
- It should show "Port Status: OK":
- Click "Save".
- You're now ready to safely scan your car!
Troubleshooting:
You are here because when you inserted VAG-COM cable for first time, Windows failed to install drivers properly.
SOLUTION 1:
Leave cable connected to computer. Restart computer. It should be fixed now. Go to Step 3.
SOLUTION 2:
VAGCOM cable should be connected to computer.
1) Go to Control Panel.
- Windows Vista/7/8/10: Control Panel » System » Device Manager
- Windows XP: Control Panel » System » "Hardware" tab » Device Manager
2) Expand "Ports (COM & LPT)" or "Universal Serial Bus Controllers".
You're looking for a device that has name "Ross-Tech" in it. It will have a yellow mark next to it like this:
Here's an example:
OR it may show as "Ross-Tech Direct USB Interface".
3) Right-click on this device with the yellow mark » Update Driver Software.
4) Choose "Browse Computer for Driver Software".
5) Browse to: "C:\Ross-Tech\VCDS". It should look like this:
6) Click "Next". When you get below message, choose "Install this driver software anyway".
When driver installation is complete, disconnect cable from computer. Restart computer.
When you're back in Windows, you may connect cable into computer, and go to Step 3.
SOLUTION 3 :
If after SOLUTION 2, cable is still showing a Yellow mark (
), then you're likely on Windows 8, 8.1, 10 or above.
In this case, disconnect cable.
And disable driver signature enforcement. Here's how: Windows 8/8.1 | Windows 10
When done, go to Step 3.
