I am sure you will be sick of answering this question but here it is anyway, I want to buy a usb Vag Com cable and software to fit my 06 Fabia, I have seen web sites selling the kit for

The official cable from Ross tech will set you back circa the money you mention and will come complete with fully functional software.

The cheaper cables will not be supplied with VAG-COM in it's entirety but will allow you to use the free demo version.

Thanks, Ross tech is an American based company, is that where you chaps get your equipment from.

The software can be downloaded but it costs $99 to register and make fully functional. If you buy an interface cable from Ross-Tech - or an identical cable from a UK firm selling them - the software is included in the price and you can use it on any PC/laptop with that cable. If you use a 3rd party cable and registered software, that software will only function on the PC/laptop on which it is first registered. The free shareware software has limited functionality but is not tied to any particular computer or cable.

Ross-Tech interface cables are the gold-plated solution and perfom as advertised but cost circa £250 as you know. This is what I have and it enabled me to identify a faulty Haldex ECU whilst still under warranty. Ross-tech cables work with the latest VAG range in addition to being backwardly compatible. If you have a read through this forum plus similar forums on SEATCupra.net and UKMKIVS, you should be able to identify which 3rd party cables are likely to work and which don't.

I ordered from Ross-Tech on a Friday and the product was delivered by FedEx on the following Monday.

Thanks that is a big help.

Ordering your genuine Vag-Com lead direct from the States with a credit card will be cheaper than any UK supplier.

Only genuine Vag-Com leads will run the latest versions of the software; a benefit if you have a Fabia and essential if you have an Octy2 or Roomster.

The official cable from Ross tech will set you back circa the money you mention and will come complete with fully functional software.

The cheaper cables will not be supplied with VAG-COM in it's entirety but will allow you to use the free demo version.

Is it possible to change any of the parameters like the EGR valve to take something completely at random!! With the demo version or do you need to buy the full version.

I don't know to be honest.

I know you are limited to a certain number of results on a scan with the demo, take a look at the ross-tech website.

Have a read of this function comparison chart and this Online Demo/Manual on Ross-Tech's site.

Thanks Chaps I will find out when the cable arrives, the best way to learn is to give it a try....What can possibly go wrong! (please don't answer that)

With the demo version or do you need to buy the full version.

From what I recall, the shareware version lets you read everything (so you can take logs) and lets you clear faults, but it won't let you write anything back to the ECU. So EGR adjustment is impossible, for example.

Will the demo version of VAG-com be able to add a new key I have just bought from a SKODA dealer?

I'm not 100% sure but 99% no.

You may find a good natured soul locally to you who is willing to help.

Thanks, I will see if I can find someone in the Burnley area.

Martin