VW Passat assistance needed

I did some work on my POS VW Passat yesterday, disconnected the battery while I was working. When I was done I hooked the batt back up and the car wouldn't start, it would crank but never catch & fire.
So off to the interwebz and I found out a few tricks, unhook the neg terminal and touch it to the + terminal for a few minutes, hook the neg terminal back up and the car fires. However I seem to need to go through this procedure every time I shut the car off now. What gives?
I've read it's the anti-theft system in the car, but I can't find how to reset the system for a perm fix, just my temp fix. Damn I hate this car.
Anyone have any thoughts, I'd sure appreciate hearing them.

Does it give you any codes?

Did you try reading the owner's manual to find a fix ?

What year is it? I have a VAG COM diagnostic software for VW and Audis. I may be able to reset it for you.

I am told that's what it needs, to have the codes reset. Insanity. All from unhooking the battery.
I hate technology. Anyway it's being taken care after work today.

Immobilizer is most likely the cause. VW are great with these.