VIDA DICE, which one to buy?

[precopster]

From the posts I've read it seems that about 10% are faulty out of the box. I learned my lesson and bought from a seller on eBay with great feedback 2nd time around rather than shopping for price on Alibaba. The first seller has a bad rap here on Matthews in the suppliers/garages section. It's still sitting in the box in my workshop....

[xHeart]

Is there now a consensus on systems requirement for VIDA-DiCE, i.e. Windows XP....what else?

[MattHenning]

Windows XP Pro. It's got to be Pro.

[mouseskowitz]

When I get a functional box I'll be able to tell you better. As far as just running VIDA I haven't had a problem getting it to work on the first try in Windows 7 Pro 64-bit, a virtual machine of XP Pro or a regular install of XP Pro. The versions I have used are 2012A &D. From the DICE side I don't know. If I go under the assumption that the box is bad and anything that installs the drivers will work any of the above options will work. I know that DICE drivers will not install on Windows 8 Pro 64-bit.

Precopster, who did you get yours from? I'm thinking of going for another one from aliexpress that has 103 reviews and 4.8 stars. The one thing I like better about them than ebay is that the item for sale and the seller are rated separately.

[precopster]

With AliExpress NEVER confirm delivery unless you are certain that the goods are working. The Ali system releases funds to the seller once delivery is confirmed. If you confirm delivery and the seller's refund/return policy sucks you're left holding the baby.

If anything is faulty just find out the seller's return address ( this should be available in "store details") before the sale and send it straight back and then press "open dispute" under order details. The system works well once you know how to use it and in my opinion is far more airtight from the buyer's perspective than eBay (though paying with Paypal has great support for dodgy deals)

If the seller you chose has great feedback it won't be the same seller. The seller I chose still has less than 95% rating. My mistake was I confirmed delivery, the seller got paid then communication ceased.

[mouseskowitz]

I don't know if it was you or someone else that mentioned that before. So, I'm at least in a good spot with that. When I was having a hard time getting XP installed I asked the seller for an extension on marking it as received, I think I still have 10 days or so. Right now the seller is checking with a tech or something about the unit being faulty. So, I'm waiting to hear what the next step will be.

[mouseskowitz]

It turns out that this DICE actually works. The problem was a combined design issue and operator error. It turns out that the USB cord can become partially unplugged under the cover on the end of the DICE and needs to be fully seated to function properly. I can't believe I didn't think of something as simple as making sure all the plugs were tight.

Next week I will try to get a dual boot up and running and let you know if I have any issues in Windows 7.

Anyone know of a good tutorial on how to use VIDA now that I have things working?

[precopster]

There is NO WAY a unlicensed version of Vida will ever communicate with Volvo's servers and be able to download software.

However the Dice unit may work with a licensed version of Vida for sw download

[xHeart]

I am looking at an 13" Acer laptop dedicated for VIDA DICE activity, a holiday project.
What are the limitations, do I need Internet for VIDA DICE to work, patches, updates, etc?

[precopster]

You don't need internet for the inexpensive Vida because it's an unlicensed/cracked version that can't connect to Volvo servers.

I believe that even if it was licensed it wouldn't update as each new year heralds a new version.

You may want Windows updates though