Virtual COM Port Drivers for Ross-Tech USB Interfaces

All Ross-Tech interfaces can be set to power up as "dumb pass through" interfaces. Hence our our Serial
interfaces are compatible with a wide variety of third-party applications which expect a "pass-through"
serial interface. However, our USB interfaces present additional challenges. Early in their
development, we found a number of technical advantages to using a "direct" USB driver which bypasses
the Windows Serial drivers entirely. Hence the USB drivers that ship with VCDS do not emulate a serial
port and cannot be used with applications that expect to communicate via a serial port.

In order to facilitate the use of third-party applications which expect to communicate with a serial
interface, drivers that emulate a COM port are available. However, anyone thinking about using them
needs to be aware of the following points:

 We do not offer installation support for these drivers. They should be used only by someone who
is competent/comfortable installing (and possible uninstalling) USB drivers on his PC.
 We cannot offer any support for third-party software, nor any guarantee that it will work correctly
with these drivers. Of course, the same would apply with a serial interface as well.
 Any third-party software developer who wants their software to work with our USB interfaces is
welcome to contact us for technical info. It is not particularly difficult to add support for the "Direct"
drivers that ship with VAG-COM to any such application. The developers of the three of the most
popular third-party "tuning" apps all already have this info (most of them for several years). Why
they have not bothered to make their applications compatible with the "Direct" drivers is a
question we cannot answer.
That said, here some installation notes:
 These drivers are compatible with Windows 2000 and newer. They should work with W2K, XP-
32, XP-64, Vista-32 and Vista-64. We do not have any VCP drivers for Windows 98!
 Unzip the contents of the download into a new folder.
 With an interface plugged in, find it in Device Manager, right-click it, and select Update Driver.
 Depending on what drivers your system already has installed, you may have to "force" these by
telling the wizard not to search, but to let you specify what driver to install, then doing the Have
Disk and Browse thing.
 There's also the possibility that the Virtual COM Port won't install automatically. We've found no
real pattern why it does on some systems and not on others. If it does not, find the interface in
Device > Manager. The name should show "... with VCP". Open the properties sheet, click the
Advanced tab, and make sure Load VCP is checked. Once checked, disconnect and re-connect
the interface.
 Once the USB Serial Port is installed, you may need to change the COM Port Number
(depending on how high a number the applications supports). Device Manager, Properties sheet
for the USB Serial Port, Port Settings tab, Advanced button. The COM Port Number may change
if you plug the interface into a different USB port, so I'd recommend always using the same USB
port.
 VCDS should continue to work fine with these drivers installed. Leave VCDS set to USB, not a
Virtual COM Port!
Assuming you've read and understand all of the above, you can download the "Virtual COM Port" drivers
here:

USB Driver Installation Instructions for Windows Vista

(For all Ross-Tech USB interfaces with a current version of VCDS)
Note: These instructions are for Windows Vista only. Click here for instructions for older versions of
Windows.

Instructions:

1. Download the current version of VCDS. If you have not yet downloaded VCDS, then click
here to open our download page in a new window.

2. Allow VCDS to install itself, but please do not install it in the \Program Files\ tree!
On Windows Vista, we strongly recommend installing VCDS in C:\Ross-Tech\VCDS\ or a
similar location.

3. Plug your Ross-Tech USB Interface to your PC's USB port

- It is not necessary to connect the interface to a car yet.

4. The New Hardware Found Wizard should appear:

5. On the screen above, click "Locate and install driver software (recommended)"

The following dialog should appear:

6. On the screen above click "Don't search online"

The following dialog should appear. The name of the interface may vary.
7. In the dialog above, click: "I don't have the disc. Show me other options."

The following dialog should appear:

8. In the dialog above, click: "Browse my computer for driver software (advanced)."
The following dialog should appear:
9. In the dialog above, you can type the location where you've got the appropriate drivers and
then click the [Next] button,

or you can can click the [Browse] button and browse to it like this:
10. On the Browse screen above, you must click the [OK] button once you've selected the correct
folder.
Once Windows Vista finds an appropriate driver, it will begin installing it and present you with
the following dialog:
Here it would seem that Microsoft has a terminology problem. This dialog appears even when
we sign our drivers with a Class-3 Software Publishing Certificate from Verisign and the
appropriate cross-certificate from Microsoft, which should according to all available
documentation allow Windows to verify the publisher (Ross-Tech, LLC).

We believe that the message actually means is that the drivers haven't been WHQL certified
by Microsoft something which is the case because it's an expensive hassle.

In any case, you must click on "Install this driver software anyway".

Windows will then finish installing the driver and you should see a dialog like this:
 In the dialog above, simply click the [Close] button.

11. Start VAG-COM.

Click the [Options] button.
Select the USB Port.
Click the [Test] button.

The results should look something like this:

2.3 Is Product Support included in the price?

Absolutely. If you have a question or problem, please post it in the Ross-Tech Foum, mail it to us directly,
orgive us a call. However, please understand that we don't know everything about every
VW/Audi/SEAT/Skoda ever made. Information about telephone tech support for diagnostic questions can
be found here.

2.4 Why can't I get VCDS to communicate at all?

Check the following:

 Is the adapter plugged into the car? An Serial Interface that is not plugged into the car will
always be "Not Found". It gets power from the car!
 Is the car's ignition switch in the ON position?
 Is it plugged into the correct serial port? Some PC's have the ports mis-labeled.
 Are the serial ports on your PC properly configured?
 Disable Palm HotSync or Microsoft ActiveSync software!
 Disable Clickfree software in the Start Menu
 If you have a 1997 or newer car with an aftermarket radio or if you have used your ISO-COM
Interface on a car with an aftermarket radio, read this page.
  Check our Issues page for any special configuration settings that may be necessary for your
vehicle
 If you are using a power supply for a laptop, it should be one specifically designed for that
purpose, NOT a "universal" adapter..
Note: If you test the COM port, but an hourglass appears, you may have an IRQ conflict. This may not
show up in Device Manager as a conflict. But, try this:
 Start>Run>MSINFO32.EXE to bring up the System Information utility.
 Go to Hardware Resources>IRQs This should show a list of all devices by their IRQ, so you can
see if there are any repeated or shared IRQs.

If all else fails, feel free to call or email us, making sure to provide the brand and model of vehicle,
brand and model of PC, and version of VCDS.

2.5 VCDS communicates, but it's "flaky".

The diagnostic protocols require a degree of real-time response from the diagnostic tool. Certain other
programs and services can prevent VCDS from responding in the timely fashion that the protocols
require. Some control modules are fussier about this than others. Fixes:

Make sure you are using the latest version of VCDS. If you have any other programs running, close
them. If you have any of the following active on your computer, turn them off:

 Virus Scanners
 Task Scheduler
 Microsoft Active-Synch
 Fast-Find
 Some Novell Netware network drivers
 Canon "Multipass" multi-function printer/scanner software
 Power Management -- some laptops are notoriously difficult, try running the laptop on AC power!
 Logitech QuickCam - the service in Task Manager is named "lvprcsrv.exe".

Other Tips:

 Go through all the stuff in your System Tray:

Right-Click on each little icon. If there's a "Disable" or "Exit" option, do it!

 Windows 2000 with SP1: Install IE 5.5 or SP2.
 Windows 95/98/Me: Pull up a task list by pressing CTRL-ALT-DEL. Kill everything except
Explorer and Systray.
 Most versions of Windows: Start -> Run -> MSCONFIG. Take a look at what other non-essential
stuff Windows is loading and disable it.
 STOP or remove PCMCIA Cards, especially anything made by Xircom. Some IBM brand cards
are also problematic.
 Try turning Off your COM Port's FIFO buffers. Open the properties sheet for the COM Port in
Device Manager. Select the Port Settings tab. Click the Advanced button. Uncheck the "use
FIFO buffer" checkbox.
  Some Windows installations, especially ones that have had numerous program installed and
uninstalled over the years may be hopeless. Try installing a clean copy of Windows in a different
folder than the original.
 If you have an older, slower PC running Windows XP, try setting the Display
Properties>Appearance to Windows Classic Style instead of Windows XP Style.
 If you are using a USB Interface, go to Device Manager, USB Root Hub, Properties, Power
Management, and uncheck "Allow Windows to turn off this device to save power"
 If your PC has multiple Serial or USB ports, try using a different port.
 If you have the Window Size on the Options screen in VCDS set to any value other that 10 (the
default) try changing it back to 10 then Test, Save, and exit out of VCDS.
 If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, make sure to have "USB selective suspend
setting" under "Power Options" set to "Disabled" as shown here.
 If your PC has a Shock Sensor (like certain Lenovo laptops, i.e X61), it may shut down your hard
drive under hard acceleration. You may want to disable that function in the system tray.

If all else fails, feel free to call or email us, making sure to provide the brand and model of vehicle,
brand and model of PC, and version of VCDS.

2.6 Why does my dash BEEP when I access my ABS controller?

In many vehicles, there will be a series of BEEPs from the dash when you access the ABS controller (and
the ABS light will be ON while you are talking to it). This perfectly normal and is done to notify the driver
that the ABS is non-functional while in diagnostic mode.

2.7 Are there any Fault-Codes that can and should be ignored?

Yes. Most 1995 and earlier Bosch ECU's will show you a DTC 00513 - Engine Speed Sensor (G28) if
you scan them when the engine is not running. This fault code goes away by itself once you start the
engine. If this sensor were truly defective, the engine would not run at all! Please ignore this code.

In addition, many Automatic Transmission Control Modules will show a DTC 00526 or 17087 that
indicates a faulty brake light switch. This can also be ignored and will not appear if you press the brakes
once before checking for Fault Codes.

2.8 Are there any known Bugs / Problems / Issues?

Please check the Revision History Page and Issues Page.

2.9 What's the Work Shop Code?

Every VW/Audi dealer in the world is assigned a unique Work Shop Code (WSC). Whenever certain
changes are made to a control module (such as Coding or Adaptation), the factory scan tool sends its
WSC information to the control module and the control module records it for posterity.

VCDS will accept a WSC once on the Options Screen and it is not easily changed (contact Ross-Tech if
you have entered it in error). If you enter a WSC there, VCDS will send that fixed WSC to the control
modules exactly how the factory scan tools do. If you leave the WSC on the Options Screen at its default
of 00000, VCDS will operate in "stealth mode". Instead of sending a fixed WSC, it will put back whatever
was already in the control module.

When a brand new control module is installed, it may not have any previous WSC info stored, so the
default setting of VCDS of 00000 may cause the control module to reject the coding. In these cases you
should enter any non-zero number with the correct number of digits (such as 12345) in the WSC field on
the Coding screen.

2.10 What's with the DEBUG files?

VCDS uses these to record a lot of the data being exchanged between the car and your PC. Having
these can be very useful if there is some sort of unexpected problem communicating with a controller in
your car. By default, the Debug Level is set to 0. If you're having a problem, we may ask you to set the
Debug level to something other than zero, and to send us a specific Debug file. The best way to send
Debug files is to ZIP them first. Contact Ross-Tech if you need assistance doing this.

STEP 1: Install Ross-Tech VCDS Software

DO NOT plug VAG-COM cable into computer yet.

Install VCDS software.

Leave original installation path of: C:\Ross-Tech\VCDS

When software has installed, restart computer. Then go to Step 2 below...

STEP 2: Plug VAG-COM Cable Into Computer

FIRST disconnect from internet/WIFI.

Plug VAGCOM cable into any USB port.

Let Windows automatically install drivers.

If Windows says that drivers are successfully installed, then continue to Step 3 below.

If Windows fails to install drivers, then can skip to Troubleshooting below.

STEP 3: Disable Internet & Launch Software

GOLDEN RULE TO APPLY EVERTIME BEFORE USING VAGCOM: Connect VAGCOM cable to
computer and car before launching VCDS software. And have internet/WIFI turned
off before launching VCDS software.

Have you read and applied the GOLDEN RULE above? If yes, then...

Launch VCDS software from Start Menu. Or from C:\Ross-Tech\VCDS\VCDS.exe

Go to: Options » Test (leave it as USB)

It should show "Interface Found", as seen below...

Click "Save". You're now ready to scan your car.

Troubleshooting:
You are here because when you inserted VAG-COM cable for first time, Windows failed to install
drivers properly.

SOLUTION 1:

Leave cable connected to computer. Restart computer. It should be fixed now. Go to Step 3.

SOLUTION 2:

VAGCOM cable should be connected to computer.

1) Go to Control Panel.

 Windows Vista/7/8/10: Control Panel » System » Device Manager

 Windows XP: Control Panel » System » "Hardware" tab » Device Manager

2) Expand "Ports (COM & LPT)" or "Universal Serial Bus Controllers".

You're looking for a device that has name "Ross-Tech" in it. It will have a yellow mark next to it like
this:

Here's an example: OR it may show as "Ross-Tech Direct USB

Interface".

3) Right-click on this device with the yellow mark » Update Driver Software.

4) Choose "Browse Computer for Driver Software".

5) Browse to: "C:\Ross-Tech\VCDS". It should look like this:

6) Click "Next". When you get below message, choose "Install this driver software anyway".

When driver installation is complete, disconnect cable from computer. Restart computer.

When you're back in Windows, you may connect cable into computer, and go to Step 3.
SOLUTION 3 :

If after SOLUTION 2, cable is still showing a Yellow mark ( ), then you're likely on Windows 8, 8.1,
10 or above.

In this case, disconnect cable.

And disable driver signature enforcement. Here's how: Windows 8/8.1 | Windows 10

When done, go to Step 3.

o to Control Panel.

 Windows Vista/7/8: Control Panel » System » Device Manager

 Windows XP: Control Panel » System » "Hardware" tab » Device Manager

Expand "Other devices" or "Ports (COM & LPT)". Whichever contains "USB Serial Port".

Next to "USB Serial Port" — you'll see a number.

If the COM port number is between 1-4, then everything is fine. Move onto Step 3.

If the COM port number is above 4, then we'll have to change it so it's between 1-4. Here's how...

Right-click on "USB Serial Port" and click on "Properties" — as per below pic:
Then:

1. Click: Port Settings

2. Click: Advanced

3. For "COM Port Number" — you MUST choose any number between 1-4.

That's it! Now let's test if everything is working. Move onto next step below...

STEP 3: Test Everything is Working...

Cable should be plugged into computer.

1. Start VCDS-Lite software.

2. Click "Options" button.

3. You will see "Select COM Port" box. Select the "COM Port" number as explained in Step 2.

4. Click the ‘Test’ button.

5. If everything is good, it should display "Interface Status: Found!".

6. You can now connect other end of cable to car. Turn on ignition. And you're
ready to start diagnosing!

If test is not successful — check the following:

1. Other software or devices using USB ports or that same COM Port could be conflicting.
You should uninstall the suspected software or device for troubleshooting this problem.

2. It should be noted that VAG-COM 409.1 KKL cable does not work on vehicles running on
CAN-BUS System.

3. Cable must be plugged into the vehicle with ignition ON.

4. Test the cable with each COM Port from 1 to 4 in Windows Device Manager.

5. Make sure that the driver is installed and configured as explained in Step 1.

More Troubleshooting Tips:

 Only Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda and Seat vehicles are supported. Other brands will only
work for generic OBD-II functions.

 If VAG-COM 409.1 KKL cable doesn't connect — or if you get the error message "Can't
Synch Baud Rate" — then go to Options and set Start Baud to 9600. If 9600 doesn't
work, try 4800 and 1200. Turn the vehicle's ignition OFF and back ON after each failed
attempt to connect.

 If you have installed VCDS software before or from another source, uninstall all versions of
VCDS software right now. And install latest version of VCDS-Lite software by
clicking here.

For further information and instructions for troubleshooting, visit the following links:

 Common Diagnostic Procedures

 Other known issues

 VCDS-Lite for all 3rd party and "Dumb" Interfaces

Copyright Notice:
VCDS-Lite is Copyright 2012 by Ross-Tech LLC / Uwe M. Ross. All rights are reserved.
De-compilation, disassembly, reverse-engineering, alteration, use as a reference tool for the purpose of
developing a product with similar functionality, and re-distribution in any form without the prior written
consent of the author is prohibited.

The unregistered shareware version of VCDS-Lite is free for non-commercial use, but no support of
any kind is available. Use in a commercial environment requires registration.

Disclaimer:
By downloading this software, you acknowledge that this Program is provided "as is" and "with
all faults, defects and errors" and that all use of the Program is at your own full risk. It has been
extensively tested, but we cannot guarantee it will work correctly with every system in every car. We will
make our best effort to fix any bugs and to enhance the program, but we specifically disclaim any
liability for damage to your computer or your car, and we do not promise to have any particular
enhancements available on any specific date.
Instructions:

 If you have a HEX, KEY, KII, or Micro-CAN 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:
o Click [Options] and select the correct communicationsport.
o Use [Test] to confirm that the program can use the port and find the interface.
o 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 updating from older versions:

 If you're updating from VCDS-Lite version 1.0 or 1.1 you should not need a new
activation.
Simply install VCDS-Lite in the same location and it should use your existing activation.
 If you're upgrading from an older version such as VAG-COM version 311 or 409,
you will need a new activation.
o First, install the VCDS-Lite and test it thoroughly in shareware mode as described
above.
o 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 standard versions of Windows, from Windows 95 though
Window 8.
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. If you are using Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, VCDS-Lite should work fine
 once installed, but the installer may not run unless you run it in XP (or anything other than
8.1 or 10) compatibility mode.
 VCDS-Lite does NOT work on Windows RT
Windows RT runs on devices with ARM (instead of x86) CPUs and normal Windows
programs like VCDS-Lite simply do not work on them.
 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\

Instructions:

 Download the self-installing distribution file available below.

 Run it and follow the prompts to allow it to install itself.
 The installer will prompt you if you wish to see a PDF of installation instructions. That PDF can
be downloaded here.
 You must install VCDS on your PC's hard disk!
o It may not work properly if you try running it directly from other media.
 o 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 VCDS program:
o Click [Options] and select the correct communications port.
o Use [Test] to confirm that the program can use the port and find the interface.
o Then [Save].
 Now Play. Make sure the software can reliably access all the control modules that it should in
your car. See ourApplication Charts. Query Fault Codes from some modules.
 Please check frequently for updates! If you're using VCDS on a PC that's on-line, it should tell
you when there's an update available, but if in doubt, check this page.

Release Notes:
 Release 15.7 works with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10 (both 32-bit and 64-bit)
o Windows 2000 will probably still work, but we no longer consider it supported.
o Windows running in a VM (Parallels, Virtual Box, etc) may work but is not supported.
o Windows 95, 98, ME, and NT4 definitely will not work.
 Release 15.7 must be used with a HEX-, KEY-, KII-, or Micro-CAN "high-tech" Interface.
o It does not work with any third-party interfaces or some of our older "low-tech"
interfaces.
o If you're a registered user and have an older low-tech interface, you should consider our
interface upgrade program.
o If you're not ready for an interface upgrade, you'll have to use VCDS-Lite instead.
 The default installation folder is C:\Ross-Tech\VCDS\
o It is essential NOT to install in the \Program Files\ tree in on systems running Windows
Vista or newer.
 To remove other old versions:
o 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..
o Release 704 and newer may be uninstalled using Windows' Add/Remove Programs or by
running the
uninstall.exe program found in the folder with the version that you wish to remove.

Download: