Replacing B6 rear pads

Evening folks. I was about to change the rear pads on my 06 Passat and on looking at my Elswin manual it talks about pluging it in to some sort of VW computer to wind back the handbrake pistons before you can remove the caliper to swap the pads. It also mentions using this system to re set the handbrake afterwards. Is this the case or can it be done without having to do this? I would have thought that as long as the handbrake isnt on then it wouldnt interfere with the pads. Or am i Wrong?
Anybody know?
Thanks, Tony

You are wrong!!! The caliper motors must be wound back before the pistons are pushed back and the pads replaced. You need vag-com or an electronic tool like sealey make. If you don't wind back the motors first you will break them and face a bill of £1000 for two calipers....OOPS.

Many thanks. A job for my local expert then.