Buying a VCDS (V**ag-Com Diagnostic System) cable on eBay can be a great way to save money on car diagnostics. However, these cables often come with little to no instructions. This guide will show you how to install the necessary drivers and configure your VCDS cable for use with the free VCDS demo software on Windows. This guide specifically focuses on Windows 2000 and XP.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Using pirated software is illegal. We strongly encourage purchasing a licensed version of VCDS from Ross-Tech. This guide demonstrates using the free, legal demo version.
Step 1: Download and Install the Correct Drivers
Before connecting your VCDS cable to your computer, download the correct drivers. Do not plug in the cable yet. Download the drivers from the following link and save the zip file to a memorable location:
Extract the files from the zip archive. Now, you can connect your VCDS cable to your computer. Windows will automatically detect the new hardware and prompt you for drivers. Direct Windows to the location where you extracted the driver files.
Step 2: Configure the COM Port
VCDS only works with COM ports 1 through 4. You need to ensure your cable is assigned to one of these ports.
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Navigate to Start > Control Panel > System. (You might need to switch to “Classic View” in the Control Panel).
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Click the Hardware tab.
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Click the Device Manager button.
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Expand the Ports (COM & LPT) section.
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Locate your VCDS cable (likely listed as “USB Serial Port”). If it’s assigned to COM1-COM4, proceed to Step 3. If it’s assigned to a higher COM port (e.g., COM18), continue with the following instructions.
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Double-click on the “USB Serial Port” entry.
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Navigate to the Port Settings tab.
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Click the Advanced button.
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In the COM Port Number dropdown menu, select a COM port between 1 and 4 that is not in use.
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Click OK until all windows are closed. You may need to restart your computer.
Step 3: Test Your VCDS Cable
- Launch the VCDS demo software.
- Click the Options button.
- Select the COM port you assigned to your cable in Step 2.
- Click Test.
If the test is successful, you’ll see a confirmation message. You can now use the VCDS demo software to diagnose your vehicle! While the demo version has limited functionality, it’s sufficient for checking diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Conclusion
Following these steps should get your eBay VCDS cable working with the VCDS demo software. Remember, this guide focuses on Windows 2000/XP. While the process is similar for newer operating systems, there might be slight variations. For the most comprehensive instructions and full functionality, consider purchasing a licensed version of VCDS from Ross-Tech: http://www.ross-tech.com/. Using a legitimate version supports the developers and ensures you have access to all features and updates.
