This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for installing Vcds 16.80-en.rar, a diagnostic software for Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, and Skoda vehicles, on a Windows 10 64-bit system. This version (November 2016) is specifically designed for non-original VCDS diagnostic systems. Disclaimer: This is not an official guide, and we assume no responsibility for any damage resulting from following these instructions.
General Notes:
- This guide was tested on a Lenovo Yoga 2 PRO ultrabook (Intel i3 1.7 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD) running Windows 10 64-bit. Similar ultrabooks or notebooks should also be suitable.
- Please note that using unofficial software can void warranties and may not offer the same functionality as official Ross-Tech products. Consider purchasing a genuine VCDS system for optimal performance and support.
- Always disconnect from the internet and disable antivirus/firewall software before running the installation or the application. Re-enable them after each use. The file “RT-USB.dll” may be flagged as a virus by your antivirus software.
Quick Installation Guide (for Experienced Users):
- Disable antivirus and firewall.
- Download the “16.8.3VCDS.rar” archive (replace with vcds 16.80-en.rar if that is the correct file name) and extract “VCDS-Release-EN-16.8.3-Installer.exe” and “RT-USB.dll”.
- Uninstall previous versions of the software.
- Disconnect from the internet.
- Run “VCDS-Release-EN-16.8.3-Installer.exe” as administrator, check “Install 32-bit EXE on 64 bit System”, accept the default path “C:Ross-TechVCDS”, and install drivers.
- Replace “C:Ross-TechVCDSRT-USB.dll” with the downloaded “RT-USB.dll”.
- Connect the VCDS cable (USB side only). The LED should blink white then stay off.
- Verify the “Ross-Tech Direct USB Interface” driver is installed and working.
- Run “VCDS.exe” as administrator.
- Run the USB port test. You should see “Interface: found” and “Status: Not plugged into Car!”.
- Close “VCDS.exe”.
- Connect the cable to the car’s OBD port (LED should blink red, then turn solid green), and turn on the ignition.
- Run “VCDS.exe” as administrator.
- Repeat the USB test and save the configuration.
- Verify you can access the car’s control unit data.
- Close “VCDS.exe” and turn off the ignition.
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Detailed Installation Guide (Step-by-Step):
This section provides a more in-depth explanation of each step, with accompanying screenshots (refer to original article for visual aids). It covers:
- Obtaining the VCDS cable and identifying its LED indicators.
- Disabling antivirus and firewall software in detail, including Windows Defender.
- Downloading and extracting the “vcds 16.80-en.rar” archive using 7-Zip or similar software.
- Uninstalling previous versions of VCDS.
- Disconnecting from the internet using Airplane mode.
- Running the installer as administrator and selecting the correct installation options.
- Replacing the “RT-USB.dll” file.
- Verifying driver installation in Device Manager.
- Running the initial VCDS software setup and performing the USB port test.
- Connecting to the car’s OBD port and observing the LED color changes.
- Saving the configuration after a successful connection.
- Accessing basic car control unit data.
- Disabling automatic updates within the VCDS software options.
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Important Considerations:
- Update Issues: Decline any prompts to update the software to avoid potential compatibility issues with the non-genuine cable. Disable automatic updates in VCDS options (Options => User Interface and Identification => Do not check for updates).
- Antivirus/Firewall: Remember to disable these before each use and re-enable them afterward. The “RT-USB.dll” file is often flagged as a virus.
- Support: This version of VCDS may not be supported by Ross-Tech. For official support and guaranteed functionality, consider purchasing a genuine VCDS system.
