Vagcom cable?
 

I want to download the vcds-lite to do a few some simple things to my 2001 a4 1.8t. What is the cheapest cable to get that is compatible? Will this work - Amazon.com: OBD2 OBD II Diagnostic USB Cable For KKL409.1 VAG-COM 409: Camera & Photo

Works for me..
 

That is the exact same cable I ordered but I found it on Ebay. Works flawlessly for me on my 96. The drivers on the disc worked fine on winxp, although not sure about later OS's.

Looking at these for some time for my B5 S4. Where are you downloading software from out of curiousity.

download
 

You can go right to the Ross Tech website and VCDS lite is available for free. It has some limitations as to what you can do but is very usable.

I have ross-tech HEX-USB+CAN interface for sale for $150 including mailing.

i also bought the same exact cable, but the software off the disc (VAG-COM 409.1) would not work. i just downloaded the lastest version from the rosstech website and it worked mint.

Is the softward Mac friendly?

no, but you can use something like Crossover, VMWare or Parallels

I have the same cable... it wasnt working too well with the disc software either. Ive updated to vcds-lite and ill try it again tonight.

I'm trying to use it with windows 7... it installed drivers on its own, should i update to the drivers on the disc?

They mentioned BootCamp, which I'm not familiar with. Either way they mentioned with a parallel that if it doesn't work that you shouldn't expect help on their end. Actually after reading their FAQ Ross-Tech does not sound very helpful at all...