Beginner Vag-com user; few questions not found in stickies

[Squirrelofdoom]

Hi guys,

So I recently acquired a "Fully Registered / Activated" version of VAG-COM release 311.2-N. While going through Ross-tech's wiki trying to find out how to perform various tasks I noticed that my interface looks different / different options on the main screen etc, and VAG-COM rather than VCDS on the main page. Stuff like the ross-tech wiki shows SRI Removal on the front page, whereas mine shows Control Module Finder in that place and has Macro-Functions greyed out rather than Applications like the ross-tech site....

So my (stupid) question is; is there a different between VCDS and the VAG-COM that I have? I see on the ross-tech site there seems to be a way to upgrade from 311 release VAG-COM to a VCDS license? Have I understood this correctly? I think I can still do stuff like scan for codes, log data etc with my version; but stuff like calibrating the headlight leveling system I would need VCDS?

Apologies for the noob questions, am a proper beginner with this software!

Thanks guys,
Aran

 

[jojo]

VCDS (formerly VAG-COM) forum

 

[Squirrelofdoom]

thanks jojo, honestly forgot to look there

 

[bearthebruce]

Hi guys,

So I recently acquired a "Fully Registered / Activated" version of VAG-COM release 311.2-N......

So my (stupid) question is; is there a different between VCDS and the VAG-COM that I have?

Yes. 311 version of VAG-COM was released in 2003. We have not been sitting on our duffs for the last 9 years - we have improving the product. VCDS, the current name - which stands for VAG-COM Diagnostic System - was adopted in 2006 when VW pitched a hissy fit for us trying to trade mark VAG-COM and the name had the letters "VAG" in it. Their trademark for "VAG" had expired and we thought we were in the clear. NOT!

I see on the ross-tech site there seems to be a way to upgrade from 311 release VAG-COM to a VCDS license? Have I understood this correctly?

The interface you have will work with VCDS-Lite version 1.1 - the current version of VCDS-Lite. VCDS-Lite is based on the 2004 version of VAG-COM with a few enhancements. It is a legacy product and is not being developed further but it is current with Windows XP, Vista, and 7. You can download and use it for free. If you want full support - with the stuff you ask about next, you can have that too for a fee.

I think I can still do stuff like scan for codes, log data etc with my version; but stuff like calibrating the headlight leveling system I would need VCDS?

To be able to do these functions with VCDS-Lite, you need to register the product with us by buying a full license: VCDS-Lite Software Registration With that license, Basic Settings, Adaptations, Output Tests and so on will be enabled as will all fault code descriptions.

You could also consider purchasing a full VCDS system from Ross-Tech or one of our listed Distributors. NHN on this forum is a seller of official product. You might want to contact him if you choose to upgrade to a current system.

 

[Squirrelofdoom]

Hi Bruce,

Thanks a lot for the answers! Just one more question if I may.

I paid for the VAG-COM product, performed a scan on the car, used the serial number to get an activation code and then used that to activate the VAG-COM product. So, if I download VCDS-Lite 1.1 and install it, I will have to go through the same procedure, paying for another activation code, in order to use the features such as Basic Settings etc etc? I don't get to use the activation code I just purchased? Just want to confirm so I know what my options are.

Cheers,
Aran

 

[bearthebruce]

If you are downloading to the same computer, the activation you already have may work.....

As the instruction page states:

Activations for VCDS-Lite are permanent for a particular PC; you cannot de-activate.
Unlike the activations for older versions of our software, activations for VCDS-Lite will not become invalid if you reformat, re-install Windows, or even replace your hard drive. If you do any of these things, you do not need a new activation; simply re-use the one we previously sent you -- you did make a backup of it, didn't you?​

Did that answer your question?

​

 

[Squirrelofdoom]

Hi Bruce,

I'll give it a try when I get home and we'll see if it works

Cheers,
Aran

 

[PAULF]

One thing may be worth mentioning, Bruce,

If you pay for a licensed version of VCDS Lite, do you still get the money off the lead from yourselves?

(It's how I went about getting my KII lead and was REALLY useful)

Oh, and you (and Diesel Geeks) still have the delivery service record to me- less than a week to Aberdeenshire in winter 2010!!

mutter, grumble, Americans, grump. :icon_thumright:

 

[bearthebruce]

One thing may be worth mentioning, Bruce, If you pay for a licensed version of VCDS Lite, do you still get the money off the lead from yourselves?

Yes, we still offer the "Outright Upgrade" where your license that is purchased for VCDS-Lite produces a $100 credit towards the purchase of a full VCDS system.