Installing the mini vci program on laptop

Read the Techstream ABCs and 123s: Reference point for all new users from the Tundra Talk forum. This will answer all your questions.

Ideally you want to use a spare laptop w/ Windows XP-32bit.

 

I was gathering my resources together to post a reply, but exstudent beat me to it

If you're not technically savvy, don't even bother trying to install it on a 64-bit OS. You have Windows 8.1, which is almost assuredly 64-bit, but you can double check by right-clicking on "my computer" and selecting "properties". In the window that comes up, look for the "system type", which is in the "system" section. It will indicate whether you have a 64 or 32-bit OS.

It is possible to get the drivers installed in a 64-bit environment (by using the instructions that exstudent linked to), but it is not easy. I'm a computer person, and I couldn't get it to work. Like exstudent said, your best bet is an old laptop with Windows XP installed.

You can download the latest version of the techstream software here. There are a number of threads here on PC regarding driver & techstream installation. I like this one.

You will be hard pressed to get any kind of "official" technical support, because the software that is bundled with these cheap adapters is pirated. To buy a techstream subscription from Toyota (even a very short-term one) is very expensive (much more than a used Win XP laptop will cost you).

Good luck!

 

Or install Windows 7, 32 bit OS. That also will work fine with Mini VCI.

I wouldn't recommend installing Mini VCI on a laptop that you actually use for important tasks like home banking, etc. McAfee reports a trojan with that software which I previously posted about. Many other virus scan programs do not report issues.

 

You may want to contact your Laptop manufacturer as Windows 8.1 comes in 32 bit version also. You may need a 'downgrade' Windows to get the miniVCI working.
I am faced with USB Driver issues on my Desktop driving my Microchip ICD2 after I upgraded from XP to 8.1-64. W8.1 came with 2 disks, 32bit version as well as a 64bit version.
My plan is to load W8.1-32 an another drive ( could be a USB Stick but it may have to be as big as 64G ) and boot from it.

 

Ok I tried my Microchip ICD2 on the Windows 8.1 32bit HDrive and it did not work..... will not connect throughUSB.

Works fine with XP.

 

I used this guide: (Solution) Mini VCI + Toyota TIS Techstream 8.x on Windows 7/8 64-bit. - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum to get mine working on a win8.1(update 1 (sub part 1 (service pack 1 (beta 1)))) 64bit touchscreen laptop no problem. Flies compared to my old dinosaur netbook I was using.