Ross-Tech: VAG-COM: Downloads: Current Release and Manual

Current Version for customers with High-Tech
HEX, KEY, KII or Micro-CAN Series Interfaces

Instructions:

Download the self-installing distribution file.
Run it and follow the prompts to allow it to install itself.
You must install VAG-COM on your PC's hard disk!
- It may not work properly if you try running it directly from other media.
- However, you can use other media such as a CD or USB memory key 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.
Turn the car's ignition switch ON. No need to start the engine.
Start the VAG-COM program:
- Click [Options] and select the correct communications port.
- 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. Query Fault Codes from some modules.
Please check back frequently for updates! If you want to be notified of updates via e-mail, please subscribe to the VAG-COM-Announce mailing list.

Release Notes:

Release 908 must be used with a HEX-, KEY-, KII-, or Micro-CAN "high-tech" Interface.
- It does not work with any third-party interfaces or some of our older "low-tech" interfaces.
- If you're a registered user and have an older low-tech interface, you should consider our
  interface upgrade program.
- If you're not ready for an interface upgrade, you'll have to use one of the older
  versions of VAG-COM available on our download archives page.
The default installation folder is C:\Ross-Tech\VCDS\
- It is essential NOT to install in the \Program Files\ tree in on systems running Windows Vista.
Compatibility of HEX interfaces with 3rd-Party Software:
- New firmware introduced in this cycle boots HEX interfaces in "intelligent mode" rather than the "dumb pass-through mode that was used previously. This is necessary for compatibility with the new 6J Ibiza chassis and also speeds up the determining what modules are installed in current cars. However, it may cause compatibility issues with 3rd-party applications.
- Work-around: If you want to use a 3rd-Party application, plug the interface into a car and your PC, go to the Options Screen and click [Test]. After the interface is identified, uncheck the "Boot in intelligent mode" checkbox, and click [Test] again, then [Save]. Once you've done this, the interface will boot in "compatibility mode" again, and should work with whatever 3rd-party apps it did before, however, it will not work on the 6J Ibiza in that state, and detecting what modules are installed in current models will be noticeably slower.
Driver Versioning Issue:
- The USB drivers shipped with some previous Releases reported an incorrect version -- much higher than it should have been. When you install the new drivers that come with this version, Windows will probably complain that they are older than the ones which are already installed. You must answer "Yes" when asked if you want to replace the files anyway. Previous versions of VCDS may also complain that the new drivers are outdated. This can and should be ignored.

To remove other old versions:

Versions prior to Release 704, simply delete the shortcuts from your Start menu and
Desktop and delete the folder(s) where the program was installed..
Release 704 and newer may be uninstalled using Windows' Add/Remove Programs or by running the
uninstall.exe program in the C:\Ross-Tech\VAG-COM-Beta folder.