Instructions:

• If you have a HEX or KEY Series interface, you're on the wrong page.  Please go here instead.

• Download the self-installing distribution file. 

• Run it and follow the prompts to allow it to install itself. 

• You must install VCDS-Lite on your PC's hard disk! It will not work properly if you try running it directly from a floppy or CD.    However, you can use a floppy or CD to move the distribution file from a PC with internet access to another PC that does not have internet access.

• Connect an appropriate interface between the computer and the car.  Ross-Tech does not supply interfaces for VCDS-Lite.   VCDS-Lite works with some of our old interfaces from many years ago, as well as many 3rd-party interfaces. 

• Turn the car's ignition switch ON.  No need to start the engine.

• Start the VCDS-Lite program:

• Click [Options] and select the correct communicationsport. 

• Use [Test] to confirm that the program can use the port and find the interface. 

• Then [Save]. 

• Now Play.  Make sure the software can reliably access all the control modules that it should in your car.    See our Application Charts.   Read Fault Codes from some modules.

• In order to get access to some of the more advanced functions, will need to register and activate the software.  The exact differences in functionality between the unregistered/shareware and registered/activated versions are summarized in this handy chart.

Note to registered users upgrading from older versions:

• If you're upgrading from an older version such as VAG-COM version 311 or 409, you will need a new activation.    

  • First, install the VCDS-Lite and test it thoroughly in shareware mode as described above.

  • Then go here and fill out the appropriate form -  or buy a license if you don't have one yet.

Release Notes:

• VCDS-Lite works with most 3rd-party "Dumb K-Line" interfaces
  as well as the following ancient low-tech Ross-Tech Interfaces, the last of which we sold early in 2004:
  ISO-COM, FAST-COM, MAX-COM, BI-COM, TWIN-COM, and UNI-COM.

• VCDS-Lite works with all versions of Windows, from Windows 95 though Window 7,
  Both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows builds work fine, but if you're using a 3rd-Party USB interface, keep in mind that it is your interface supplier's responsibility to provide a driver for his hardware. 

• The default installation folder is C:\Ross-Tech\VCDS-Lite\
  If allowed to install in the default location, it should not interfere with an existing Ross-Tech software on your PC. 

• To remove older versions, simply delete the shortcuts from your Start menu and Desktop and delete the old folders which are normally:
  C:\VAG-COM\ or C:\VAG-COM-Beta\ or C:\Program Files\VAG-COM\ or C:\Program Files\VAG-COM-Beta\