As title suggests i downloaded vcds, )which i read is just vag com re branded?) from ross tech web site, and found this cable on a uk distributor web site. VW Audi Seat Skoda USB Diagnostic Cable for VAG-COM 409.1 - Dual K-line - most VAG 1996-2003 :: Gendan Automotive Products.

Would this work? if so, why is it so expensive to buy the CD + Cable as a package?

Thanks in advance. . .

I'm led to believe that the cable is the dongle to the software, effectively the key for the software.

Without the key, the software wont work.

So does that mean it will work, i downloaded the software from ross tech, and the cable is on a ross tech distributer web site, so must be approved by ross tech. . .

Our distributors are free to sell whatever they want (of course unless its authentic and doesn't violate any copyrights). If you actually read the item description it clearly says its only compatible to older versions of VCDS/VAG-COM (specifically up to Release 409) and therefor cannot be a a dongle interface. It is not a genuine Ross-Tech interface but a 3rd party interface, which means that point 3.3 of our FAQ applies.

Oh i see that now, serves me right for looking at it at 1 in the morning when i should be in bed. will have to save up then i suppose. . .

I bought that cable and use version 409 of vagcom for checking for error codes - basically cause I'm too skint to buy the full version with a proper cable. Seems to work OK for what I want a the moment.

I bought a cable from ebay USB VAG-COM 409.1 OBD 2 II CABLE LEAD AUDI VW VAG COM on eBay, also, Diagnostic Tools Equipment, Garage Equipment Tools, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 11-Feb-09 12:48:07 GMT) for £13.99 and came with 409.1 shareware.

I then paid the registration fee of $99 dollars to Ross Tech and now have a fully registered version which fully scans and adjusts the extra features on my Fabia.

The only fault shown was fixed by cycling the flap motors so I am very happy.

Turned on the anti-hijack feature too.

Hope this helps somebody.