Need some advice on using Ross-Tech with a generic cable if possible...
03-10-2009, 04:22 AM
#12
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,332
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here's what to do:
Plug the cable in so that the new hardware wizard pops up in windows and asks about installing a driver for the new device. It will ask "can windows connect to windows update to search for the software?", choose "no, not this time". At the next screen, "install from a list or specific location". At the next screen choose the CD-ROM and it will search the disk and should find the proper driver and install it automatically.
If the new hardware wizard does not pop up when you plug the cable in, go back to the device manager, find the cable in the list, right click and select update driver...
If the new hardware wizard does not pop up when you plug the cable in, go back to the device manager, find the cable in the list, right click and select update driver...
03-10-2009, 04:48 AM
#13
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm running a knock-off VAG-COM USB cable from eBay...
<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/USB-Vag-Com-Cable-Interface-Scanner-VW-Audi-VagCom-OBD2_W0QQitemZ390031928127QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotor s_Automotive_Tools?hash=item390031928127&_trksid=p 4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171|65%3A12|39%3A1|24 0%3A1308">This one.</a> Cost me $21 delivered. Works just fine with VAG-COM Version 409.1. There's a link to the USB driver in the <a href="http://www.alpha-bid.com/media/Product-Pics/VAG-USB/VagComUSBCableInstructions.pdf">User Manual.</a>
If you've attached a number of USB devices previously, COM ports 1 to 4 may already be assigned so the VAG-COM USB won't be assigned a number that the software can see. VAG-COM only accesses COM ports 1 to 4. If that's the case, go to System Properties / Hardware / Device Manager. Then select Communications Port (COMn) where "n" is the port number assigned to your USB cable when it was plugged in. For that port, select Properties / Port Settings / Advanced. Whew! Now you can change the port number assigned to the USB cable port. Pick one from the COM dropdown list. I suggest COM4. It doesn't matter if it's already assigned as long as the other device that it's assigned to is not plugged in.
Now go to the VAG-COM software, enter Setup, and select COM4. Test to make sure it sees the port.
I hope that works for you. I've been running a couple of generic VAG-COM cables for several years and they work well.
If you've attached a number of USB devices previously, COM ports 1 to 4 may already be assigned so the VAG-COM USB won't be assigned a number that the software can see. VAG-COM only accesses COM ports 1 to 4. If that's the case, go to System Properties / Hardware / Device Manager. Then select Communications Port (COMn) where "n" is the port number assigned to your USB cable when it was plugged in. For that port, select Properties / Port Settings / Advanced. Whew! Now you can change the port number assigned to the USB cable port. Pick one from the COM dropdown list. I suggest COM4. It doesn't matter if it's already assigned as long as the other device that it's assigned to is not plugged in.
Now go to the VAG-COM software, enter Setup, and select COM4. Test to make sure it sees the port.
I hope that works for you. I've been running a couple of generic VAG-COM cables for several years and they work well.
03-10-2009, 09:41 AM
#16
You can, but you need an old version of the software. 3.xx
I paid for the software but built the hardware:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/66084/sdscn8299.jpg.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/66084/sdscn8299.jpg.jpg">
03-10-2009, 10:11 AM
#17
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
Since I don't use Windows for anything but this VAG stuff I'm not sure where devices...
manager is..? Do I look in the actual Windows software or in the Ross program? Should I first plug the OBD 2 connector into a USB port before doing anything? I find Windows incredibly hard to navigate compared to Apple plus I'm not a computer guy so I appreciate your help!
03-10-2009, 10:39 AM
#18
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,332
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here's the easiest way to do it...
In windows, click the start button, choose Run. Type "devmgmt.msc" and click OK. It will open Device Manager directly. Then, you need to find the hardware on the list. It must be plugged into your USB port. Once you find it, right click on the device and choose properties, and it will tell you which COM port it is connected to.
Then, you need to open VAG-COM, go to the setup, choose that COM port, and test the connection.
If you are still having problems, you can give me a call later (after work), or I could try a remote connection to your computer to help you out.
Then, you need to open VAG-COM, go to the setup, choose that COM port, and test the connection.
If you are still having problems, you can give me a call later (after work), or I could try a remote connection to your computer to help you out.
03-10-2009, 02:18 PM
#20
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
Ed, I got into the Device Manager but I can't find it listed anywhere so...
if you email me your phone # when you get home I'll give you a call. All very confusing to me!