code reader

Why go on about the limitations, while ignoring the things it can do?
Have you actually installed and used VCDS Lite?
I had a copy of the software back when it was called VAG Com and required serial. I updated to VCDS Lite when that particular machine died and was unimpressed. That must have been around... 2009? I'd not really needed it again until I needed to remove error messages to pass our equivalent of an MoT a couple of years back. That's when I got very annoyed with the limitations of Bluetooth dongles, software and which software could actually delete the errors (the version of Torque I found could not; Carista also refused and I no longer have a machine with RS232 so VCDS was out).

Limitations are important to allow someone to make an informed decision. OBD11 is cheap but requires their dongle (not so cheap). VCDS wants Internet (not necessarily a given) and it's limited in numbers of VINs these days. Carista is mobile only and at least one of the softwares only works on Android not iOS. It's all important to those who don't have access to an iPad, Windows 10 machine and / or an Android device.

If it works for you, great. I've seen enough problems with Serial drivers being supboptimal to be very wary of cheap hardware.

- Bret
 
VCDS only needs Internet for download prior to install, so download to a thumb drive on any machine. No Internet connection needed ever again. Runs on XP, W7, W10, even Linux. Mac.
 
I don't have a lap top does it work on pc.is a hand held one ok
VCDS-Lite requires a laptop running Windows or (if you're sufficiently tech savvy, Linux with Wine. VCDS-Litehas to be registered at a cost of £75 if you want to take advantage of a greater range of features.
Full fat VCDS is distributed here by Marshall's Industrial and you can see the choices here: https://www.mi-uk.com/shop/
Obviously not cheap, but two of the priciest versions include WiFi and support VCDS-Mobile (which I have no personal experience of). If you click through for details of either of the WiFi variants, you can see details of the current state of play with VCDS-Mobile.
 
VCDS-Lite requires a laptop running Windows or (if you're sufficiently tech savvy, Linux with Wine. VCDS-Litehas to be registered at a cost of £75 if you want to take advantage of a greater range of features.
Full fat VCDS is distributed here by Marshall's Industrial and you can see the choices here: https://www.mi-uk.com/shop/
Obviously not cheap, but two of the priciest versions include WiFi and support VCDS-Mobile (which I have no personal experience of). If you click through for details of either of the WiFi variants, you can see details of the current state of play with VCDS-Mobile.

I’ve always done it by running a virtual machine with VAGCOM on so I can get it right and then copy it to any machine.


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Yes there are loads of scanners, stand alone hand helds, phone app, bluetooth dongle and cable direct to OBDII socket. Now I realise everyone sorry should say no one has an unlimited budget. What I am saying is VCDS in its different flavours is a better tool and very close to OEM diagnostics which in turn enable others to interpret the scan results more accurately. I have used all version of VCDS except the mobile version due to my phone not supporting it. Anyone can safely use VCDS especially on Lite but with care on any version. If you are not sure DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING. Post your issue and scan results and someone with the experience will read the post and advise what to do, so removing the risk or at least greatly reducing it.
 
XP is dead, or should be. The latest /VCDS/ version is 19.x and the older ones won't be supported by them. I'd expect Win 7 support to be dropped mid 2020.

VCDS Lite may well still work on the old stuff.

Reading the "latest version" page:

Release Notes:
  • Release 19.6 works with Windows 7, 8, and 10 (both 32-bit and 64-bit)​
    • Earlier versions of Windows such as 2000, XP, and Vista might still work, but we no longer consider them supported.​
    • VCDS does not work on Windows 10 running in "S mode", becuase "S mode" prevents software from being installed from any source other than the Microsoft Store. If wish to use VCDS on a computer that came with the "S" version of Windows, you'll have to switch it to run in Home or Pro mode.​
    • Windows running in a VM (Parallels, Virtual Box, etc) may work but is not supported.​
    • Windows 95, 98, ME, and NT4 definitely will not work.​

- Bret
 
VCDS Lite may well still work on the old stuff.

It does. It's an old program that remains available primarily to support older Ross-Tech cables and is compatible with everything from Windows 95 on. It's really creaky but since as shareware it's absolutely free a lot of people use it. And of course it is the software that PlasticMac was talking about.

I spent the money for full fat VCDS 3 years ago, consider it more than worthwhile and would definitely recommend it, but not everyone is in a position to spend that sort of money even if they want to.
 
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