Techstream Tips and Tricks

I’ve used fusion and haven’t had issue. Parallels and virtual box seem to have issues with usb drivers and pass through.

I’ve been using bootcamp since I’ve been doing a lot of tuning / TSB

 

Found some new info guys wanted to share.

Blog post talking about why XP is the best to use:
http://blog.obdii365.com/2018/07/02/toyota-techstream-why-windows-xp-why-not-64-bit/

This is a very long thread but lots of techstream info they all use virtualbox : https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/how-to-techstream-in-5-minutes.1034923/

Aren't any of you afraid of putting something on your native system that is altered and often from China (pirated). Spyware, Viruses, etc. I understand some are using on a spare system of XP. Mac Users seem to do dual boot thing.

Hmmm seems it may be the virtual machine causing the issue with techstream then errors using the usb/com port? Wish there was a way to test this on VM systems (accuracy /read rates).

Parallels is for MAC, ... any VM for PC that work? ...see the above link about virtualbox and TIS interesting.

 

Some good info but I try to keep it simple. I activate via other legit methods (ssshhhh) and don't use any KeyGen or Registry hacks - so I don't have to worry about viruses. Those hacks are laced in viruses OR you have to disable your virus protection just to get them to work. VM's are actually a good idea because of portability and easy to backup and move to another system. And yes, you could use XP, but I tend to lean heavy on security and the telemetry XP sends back to MSFT is crazy. Use Win10Privacy and remove as much of that as you can. If you can get it to work like many people on this forum, then absolutely go with what you are comfortable with.

 

To be honest, I was worried initially about the TS hacks. I have only used the ones posted on TW that have some street cred.

I have had all the versions install on my main machine. No issues so far. If an issue is found, the shares that I have worked be pulled immediately.

Yeah, the key gen program sucks, but . . .

 

Here's the post with resources I used: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/techstream-tips-and-tricks.597998/page-10#post-23884918

Entirely not sure if it made the difference but I also installed the ftdi drivers along with creating the directory for xhorse ones. Ignore the 64bit reg update part.

 

You're welcome!


I am not saying to trust me! At best, I'm just one data point. I am saying to evaluate and trust the herd. That is what I did and continue to do.


From my knothole, the TS exe files themselves should be solid and authentic? It is mainly the key generation or hacking methods that are always sketchy. If getting the key from a forum, the worst that can happen there is the forum using your login info. The key is just a key?


For OBD, I mainly go with my old and cheap Bluetooth adapter (ELM327 clone) and Torque, OB Fusion, or Carista. Max with an adapter, you're in it for $30. I am most comfortable with the Torque app. Although, Carista with a subscription allows you to Customize and program the dealer only features. Those are the same items that TS covers. It just depends how you want to go with that.


Sorry! I have never given any thought to 32bit versus 64bit programs. I have only considered that on the HW / OS side of life and generally prefer 64bit.

 

That didn't last long.

 

I bought a used tactrix cable locally, and was able to email photos and serial number to tactrix. They were very responsive, and verified it was a legitimate cable.

 

I traded in my 2010 5-lug for a 2011 TRD Sport and was disappointed to discover that the easy seatbelt buzzer disable procedure no longer works. I bought a mini VCI cable, got Techstream v15 working in VirtualBox on my Mac, got a driver installed, and eventually managed to connect to the ECU. However, TS doesn't present all the menu buttons, most notably the one for "Customize Setting" that I need. Anyone know what is still wrong? Is this more likely related to the TS version or the cable I am using?

 

If I remember correctly, I think you have to select a system before you can get to the customize menu. I may be wrong though.

 

Customize is in the left margin immediately after connecting. At least for the 3rd Gen.

 

On the left side of the menu bar, below the health check button, should be a customize button. Alternatively, open the menu for the desired module and then select customize from the list of available functions.

 

@Shellshock

Are you familiar with Virtualbox?

 

Yeah. Virtualbox is trash. The usb drivers are buggy as hell (in addition to other things)

Use vmware fusion or bootcamp.

 

I've used it a little bit, not a ton though.

It might be good to try on a pc laptop?

 

Virtualbox should not be a problem. As long as USB pass through is set up (and working) it is transparent to any software running inside it.

Edit* Plus what @Shellshock said above. 10+ years ago it was a miracle. Now there are much better alternatives. I use VMware Player a lot and have had very good luck with USB passthrough with it.

 

Same here. I’ve used vmware fusion / workstation / player for years without issue on a daily basis.

virtual box and other free ones you have to do a rain dance and say a prayer

 

VMware Player is free...? It's certainly not fancy or feature filled, but it's easy to use and works that's for sure.

 

Yeah player is fine. It’s basically just stripped down workstation and uses the same drivers etc

I more meant virtual box and others.

parallels is iffy too.

 

However, it's not available for Mac. I've used VMware Fusion before and its nice, but ain't free. I find VirtualBox to be pretty good and it's a lot simpler and easier to get pass throughs like USB devices set up on it.