The VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System) software requires specific drivers to communicate with your vehicle’s onboard computer. If you’re running Windows XP, this guide provides a detailed walkthrough for installing the necessary Vcds Xp Driver. While VCDS typically installs drivers automatically, this manual installation guide will help if the automatic process fails.
Installing the VCDS XP Driver Manually
Before proceeding, ensure you have downloaded and installed the VCDS software on your Windows XP computer. If not, download it from the official Ross-Tech website.
Step 1: Connect the Interface
Plug your Ross-Tech USB interface into an available USB port on your computer. You don’t need to connect it to your car yet. A “New Hardware Found” notification should appear in the system tray. If it doesn’t, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Manually Locate the Driver
If the “New Hardware Found” wizard doesn’t pop up automatically:
- Open the Device Manager by right-clicking “My Computer” and selecting “Manage.”
- Find the Ross-Tech USB interface, likely under “Universal Serial Bus controllers” or “Other Devices.”
- Right-click on the interface and select “Update Driver.” This will initiate the “Hardware Update Wizard.”
Step 3: Navigate the Hardware Update Wizard
- Choose “Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)” and click “Next.”
- Select “Search for the best driver in these locations.”
- Check the box next to “Include this location in the search.”
- Click “Browse” and navigate to the VCDS installation directory (usually C:Ross-TechVCDS).
- Click “OK” and then “Next.”
Step 4: Address Potential Warnings
You might encounter a warning about the driver not being digitally signed. Click “Continue Anyway” to proceed. If your Windows Security Settings policy is undefined, you might need to change it to “warn” in Control Panel > System > Hardware > Driver Signing. If you receive a message stating “This hardware will not be installed,” ensure you are logged in as an administrator and repeat the driver installation from Step 1.
Step 5: Finalize the Installation
- Windows will confirm the driver installation. Click “Finish.”
- Launch VCDS and click “Options.”
- In the “Select COM Port” box, choose “USB.”
- Click “Test.” A successful test will display information about the interface and port.
- Click “OK” and then “Save.”
Step 6: Test on Your Vehicle
Connect the interface to your car’s OBD-II port and try using VCDS.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues during installation:
- Double-check that you’ve selected the correct VCDS installation directory when browsing for the driver.
- Verify you have administrator privileges on your Windows XP computer.
- Consider reinstalling VCDS to ensure all necessary files are present. If problems persist, contact Ross-Tech for support. They can provide specific guidance based on your setup. Remember to have your PC connected to your vehicle when contacting support for efficient troubleshooting.
