STEP 1: Install Ross-Tech VCDS Software
To install program you can use provided CD or download software from HERE.
Attention, To install software please carefully follow steps below:
DO NOT plug VAG-COM cable into computer yet.
Uninstall any other VCDS versions, if present on computer. Then delete c:\Ross-Tech folder.
Disconnect computer from internet and Deactivate Anti Virus software on your computer.
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.
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 Internet & Launch VCDS Software
Golden Rule: Must disconnect from internet every time before launching VCDS, else will say "Interface not found". Also, do NOT update the software.
Read golden rule above? If yes, then...
Launch VCDS software from Start Menu. Or from C:\Ross-Tech\VCDS\VCDS.exe
Launch software using “VCDSLoader.exe” from C:\Ross-Tech\VCDS\
In future, always launch “VCDSLoader.exe” to start he VCDS software.
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!
STEP 4: Disable Update Nag on Startup
Start > Startup > Right-click "RT-Updater" > Delete
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.
