Service Information
VAS Tester

Number: AVT-12-23

Subject: VAS Diagnostic Laptops - System Recovery Instructions

Date: Oct. 22, 2012

Supersedes AVT-11-25 due to addition of ODIS Service to software reinstallation section.

1.0 - Introduction
Due to their function as diagnostic tools, VAS diagnostic laptops are equipped with a proprietary
Windows XP® operating system. A partitioned hard drive is utilized and the system is specially configured
to support the installation and licensing requirements of the installed diagnostic software platforms.
In the event of operating system malfunctions, system recovery must be performed using data stored on
the partitioned hard drive. A separate “Recovery DVD” is not used. The latest version diagnostic
software must be reinstalled and configured as applicable after successful system recovery.
These instructions were validated using US/CDN market devices and software. The various operating
manuals included with the laptop may contain information that is not applicable to the US/CDN market. For
system recovery etc., the instructions provided here take precedent.
If you requires assistance contact VWGoA Diagnostic Tester Software Support at 1-888-896-1298.
ATTENTION!
 DO NOT USE the Panasonic installation CDs supplied with the diagnostic laptop for
operating system recovery! Use of the Panasonic CDs will completely erase the VAS-specific
partition data and install a standard Windows XP® or Windows 7® laptop operating system.
Subsequent installation and function of the diagnostic software is not possible on a standard laptop
installation.
 During the recovery process described here, all data on hard drive C:\ is erased. Only data on hard
drive D:\ is retained. If possible, finalize all stored diagnostic sessions and transmit all saved
diagnostic protocols prior to recovery.

Notes:
 This procedure should be performed by an experienced user or IT professional.
 Please read this entire document before performing system recovery.
 Heed all prerequisite requirements and notes, and follow all instruction steps (including instruction
steps cross-referenced in other documents posted on ServiceNet).
 Perform this procedure in an area that is quiet, clean and without distraction or interruption.
 We recommended a printed copy of these instructions be used during the recovery process.
 Allow approximately 2 hours to complete the recovery and software reinstallation procedure.
 Perform this procedure with the diagnostic tablet power supply adapter cable plugged in.
 During system recovery and subsequent rebooting, the diagnostic laptop must not be connected
to the docking station (port replicator).

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ver1.3

© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be
modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

Service Information
2.0 - General Information
This document contains step-by-step instructions required to perform Windows XP® operating system
recovery on VAS 6150, 6150A and 6150B diagnostic laptops ONLY.
This document does not contain the additional, step-by-step setup, software installation and configuration
instructions needed to put the device back into service. These instructions are located in existing Service
Information documents posted on ServiceNet. Use a dealership PC or laptop connected to a printer to
access the Service Information document titles specified in Section 4.0.
If hard drive or other malfunctions prevent access to the system BIOS, or the recovery process fails to start
as described below, contact Audi Diagnostic Tester Software Support 1-888-896-1298 and request a
hardware repair escalation.

3.0 – System Recovery
The system recovery process is initiated through the system BIOS. To enter the BIOS Setup, press the F2
key on startup when the Panasonic logo is displayed.
Prerequisites:






Diagnostic laptop removed from base station (port replicator).
Wireless operation switch in the OFF position.
Power adapter connected (do not attempt recovery on battery power alone).
Ethernet (network) cable disconnected.

1. Turn on the diagnostic laptop.
2. When the Panasonic logo is displayed, press the F2 key to enter the BIOS Setup.

Page 2 of 7
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be
modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

Service Information
A BIOS password prompt appears:
3. For VAS 6150 and VAS 6150A models, enter BIOS password: vas6150
4. For VAS 6150B models, enter BIOS password: vas6150b
5. Press the Enter key.

6. In the BIOS menu, use the right and left arrow keys to select the Exit tab, then use the up and down
arrow keys to select Repair Your Computer. Press the Enter key to continue.

Continued… 4/

Page 3 of 7
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be
modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

Service Information
7. After the Enter key is pressed, the system recovery starts. After approximately 2 minutes, the message
“System will be recovered” is displayed.

8. Press the “2” key as instructed, then press Enter to continue.

Recovery will take between 15 and 30 minutes. When complete, the system will automatically reboot.
7. After the system reboots, the Windows XP Setup Wizard is displayed. Click Next to continue.

8. Review the Regional and Language options, ensuring that English [United States] (EN] is set as
default. Make changes if necessary. Then click Next.
9. Review the Date, Time, Time Zone and Daylight Savings Time settings. Make changes if necessary.
Then click Next.
When the installation is complete, the system will automatically reboot and the Windows desktop will be
displayed.
10. Perform the additional setup and diagnostic software installation steps specified in Section 4.0.
Page 4 of 7
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be
modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

Service Information
4.0 – Additional Setup & Diagnostic Software Installation
The following subsections describe additional setup needed prior to placing the device back into service.
Locate and follow the step-by-step setup, software installation and configuration instruction documents
posted in the Workshop Equipment > VAS Tester or ODIS Service > Service Information sections of
ServiceNet. Use a dealership PC or laptop connected to a printer to access the documents specified in
Sections 4.1, 4.4, 4.5 and 4.6 below.
If a referenced document does not appear under the current calendar year listing, look in the previous
calendar year list or enter the document title in the SEARCH function of ServiceNet.

4.1 – Set Computer Name
Refer to VAS Tester – Service Information document title: VAS Diagnostic Device Computer Name
Builder.

4.2 – Network Configuration
For dealership networks using DHCP for Internet access, no configuration is necessary (default setting in
laptop is DHCP). Proceed with Netviewer installation below.
For dealership networks using Static IP configurations for Internet access, the configurations must be
renewed after installation/recovery. Ask your dealership IT professional for details and assistance.
If you are unsure of the type of network configuration used, ask your dealership IT professional, or contact
the VWGoA IT Service Desk at 1-866-892-3375 for assistance.

4.3 – Netviewer Installation
Prerequisite:



Diagnostic laptop is able to connect to internet in order to logon to ServiceNet (DHCP, or static IPs
enabled as per Section 4.2).

1. Connect network/Ethernet cable to laptop.
2. Launch Internet Explorer and logon to ServiceNet.
3. Navigate to the Workshop Equipment > VAS Tester > Software section.
4. Right click / select the link: Netviewer one2one – Telediagnosis Software.
5. Save file to Windows desktop.

4.4 – Reinstall and Configure Diagnostic Software
4.4.1 – Reinstall and Configure VAS-PC Base & Audi Brand Software
1. In the Workshop Equipment > VAS Tester > Software section, refer to document title: Current VASPC Software Versions
2. Note the latest current VAS-PC Base and Audi Brand software versions and disc ordering numbers
from the software version document.
3. Navigate to the Workshop Equipment > VAS Tester > Service Information section.
Continued …6/
Page 5 of 7
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be
modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

Service Information
4. Refer to the VAS Tester - Service Information document title that covers the installation of the latest
VAS-PC Base software version. Example: VAS-PC Base V19.01.XX Installation Instructions.
5. Retrieve the latest VAS-PC Base and Audi Brand version discs noted above from your VAS-PC disc
library, and perform the Base installation and configuration, as well as Audi Brand installation steps as
specified in the VAS-PC Base installation instructions.
4.4.2 – Reinstall ODIS Service Software & Security Certificate
Notes:
 Reinstallation of ODIS Service after system recovery requires reinstallation of the device-specific
license and security certificates that were requested, saved and installed during the initial ODIS
Service installation process.
 When instructed buy the documentation, retrieve and install the saved, device-specific license and
certificate files from either the original or backup USB flash drive.
1. Navigate to the Workshop Equipment > ODIS Service > Service Information section.
2. Refer to ODIS Service – Service Information document titles:


ODIS Service Installation Phase 2 – Software Installation & Configuration Instructions



ODIS Service Installation Phase 3 – Security Certificate Request & Installation Instructions

3. Retrieve the latest ODIS Service installation DVD version and perform the software installation,
configuration, and security certificate request and installation steps as specified in the above
instructions.

4.5 – Renew VAS 5054A Bluetooth and EDIC Configurations
Refer to VAS Tester - Service Information document title: VAS 5054A Transmitter Head - Bluetooth &
EDIC Configuration.

4.6 – VAS 5054A USB Configuration
Refer to VAS-Tester - Service Information document title: VAS 5054A Transmitter Head - USB
Configuration & Function

4.7 – Import GeKo Certificate
System recovery erases all data on the C:\ drive, including the previously-imported VAS GeKo security
certificate. After system recovery, and prior to performing immobilizer adaptations etc., a replacement
certificate must be imported.
Prerequisites:






Network configuration performed and Netviewer installed as per Section 4.2.
Latest VAS-PC Base & Brand versions installed as per Section 4.4.1.
VAS 5054A Bluetooth & EDIC configurations successfully performed as per Section 4.5.
Laptop powered up to Windows desktop and Ethernet cable connected.

Page 6 of 7
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be
modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

Service Information
1. From the windows desktop, start the VAS-PC application.
2. Select the Administration function.
3. From the Administration header, record the six digit Equipment Number:
Equipment Number:
ATTENTION!
VAS 6150 and VAS 6150A with Panasonic Model No. CF-52R:
 Installation of Base V19 (and higher) changes the Equipment Number displayed by the
Administration function of VAS-PC. The new equipment number is hard-coded in the device
SMBIOS and matches the Volkswagen Device Nr. Located on a label on the underside of the
laptop (above the Model No. label). The previous equipment number which was derived from the
VAS 5054A Transmitter Head serial number is no longer displayed on CF-52R from Base V19.
As a result, when an existing GeKo Security Certificate on CF-52R laptops is erased during system
recovery, the equipment Number displayed by the Administration function of VAS-PC (from Base
V19) must be quoted when requesting a replacement certificate.
VAS 6150 with Panasonic Model No. CF-52J:
 The VAS-PC Administration function will always display an Equipment Number derived from the
VAS 5054A Transmitter Head serial number, regardless of installed Base version. This equipment
number is set during VAS 5054A configuration.
VAS 6150B (Panasonic Model No. CF-53D):
 The equipment number displayed by the Administration function of VAS-PC is hard-coded in the
device SMBIOS and matches the Volkswagen Device Nr. Located on a label on the underside of the
laptop.
4. Contact the Audi IT Service Desk at 866-892-3375
5. Inform the IT Service Desk consultant that system recovery on a VAS diagnostic device was
performed, and request their assistance with importation of a new GeKo security certificate.
6. Provide the VAS model designation and Equipment Number (recorded above) to the IT Service Desk
consultant when prompted.
Note:
On VAS 6150 and VAS 6150A with Panasonic Model No, CF-52R, the Service Desk consultant may
inquire on the VAS 5054A device number which was used as the Equipment Number prior to the
installation of Base V19.

4.8 – Reinstall Anti-Virus Software (where applicable)
Reinstall anti-virus software as per your dealership’s IT policy where applicable.

Page 7 of 7
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be
modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.