5.8 KiB
Quick Installation Guide - ForexTrader EA
Prerequisites
- MetaTrader 5 platform installed
- Active trading account (demo or live)
- Basic understanding of forex trading
Installation Steps
Step 1: Locate Your MT5 Data Folder
- Open MetaTrader 5
- Click File → Open Data Folder
- A Windows Explorer window will open
Step 2: Copy the EA File
- Navigate to MQL5 → Experts folder
- Copy
ForexTrader_EA.mq5into this folder - Keep the folder open for the next step
Step 3: Compile the EA
- In MetaTrader 5, press F4 to open MetaEditor
- In the Navigator panel (left side), expand Experts
- Double-click ForexTrader_EA.mq5 to open it
- Click the Compile button (or press F7)
- Check the "Toolbox" panel at the bottom:
- ✅ Success: "0 error(s), 0 warning(s)"
- ❌ Failed: Review error messages
Step 4: Enable Auto Trading
- Return to MetaTrader 5 main window
- Click the Algo Trading button in the toolbar
- It should turn green when enabled
- If red, click it to enable automated trading
Step 5: Attach EA to Chart
- Open a chart for your desired instrument (e.g., EUR/USD)
- Set your preferred timeframe (H1 or H4 recommended)
- In the Navigator panel, expand Expert Advisors
- Drag and drop ForexTrader_EA onto the chart
- A settings window will appear
Step 6: Configure Parameters
Recommended Settings for Beginners:
Trading Strategy:
- Fast MA Period:
10 - Slow MA Period:
70 - MA Method:
Simple
Risk Management:
- Risk Percent:
1.0(1% - conservative) - Stop Loss Pips:
50 - Take Profit Pips:
100 - Use Trailing Stop:
Yes
Money Management:
- Use Fixed Lot:
No(uses risk-based sizing)
Click OK to apply settings.
Step 7: Verify EA is Running
-
Look at the top-right corner of your chart
-
You should see a smiling face icon 😊
- 😊 = EA is active and working
- 😐 = EA is loaded but auto trading disabled
- ❌ = EA error or not loaded
-
Check the Experts tab (Toolbox panel at bottom)
- You should see initialization messages
- "ForexTrader EA initialized successfully"
Testing Before Live Trading
Demo Account Testing (REQUIRED)
- Open a demo account if you don't have one
- Run the EA for at least 2 weeks
- Monitor performance daily
- Verify all features work correctly:
- Trades open at MA crossovers
- Stop loss and take profit are set
- Trailing stop activates when in profit
Strategy Tester (Backtesting)
- In MT5, press Ctrl + R to open Strategy Tester
- Select ForexTrader_EA from the Expert Advisor dropdown
- Choose your symbol (e.g., EUR/USD)
- Select timeframe (H1 or H4)
- Set test period (at least 6 months)
- Click Start to run backtest
- Review results and equity curve
Monitoring Your EA
What to Watch
- Open positions: Check trade direction and lot sizes
- Journal tab: Look for any error messages
- Account balance: Monitor for unexpected changes
- Experts tab: Review EA's log messages
Warning Signs
⚠️ Stop the EA immediately if:
- Lot sizes are unexpectedly large
- Multiple positions open simultaneously (EA only opens 1)
- Stop losses are not being set
- Error messages appear repeatedly
Troubleshooting
EA Not Opening Trades
Check:
- ✅ Auto Trading is enabled (green button)
- ✅ Chart timeframe matches your strategy
- ✅ Market is open (not weekend)
- ✅ Account has sufficient free margin
- ✅ No MA crossover has occurred recently
Compilation Errors
Solutions:
- Update MetaTrader 5 to latest version
- Verify you're using MT5 (not MT4)
- Check file encoding is UTF-8
- Restart MetaEditor
Wrong Position Sizes
Verify:
- Risk Percent is reasonable (1-5%)
- Min/Max Lot Size settings
- Account balance is sufficient
- Broker's minimum lot size requirements
Common Settings Adjustments
More Conservative (Lower Risk)
Risk Percent: 0.5 - 1.0%
Stop Loss: 60-80 pips
More Aggressive (Higher Risk)
Risk Percent: 3.0 - 5.0%
Stop Loss: 30-40 pips
Take Profit: 60-80 pips
Different Timeframes
For H4 timeframe:
Fast MA: 10
Slow MA: 70
Stop Loss: 80 pips
Take Profit: 160 pips
For M15 timeframe:
Fast MA: 10
Slow MA: 70
Stop Loss: 20 pips
Take Profit: 40 pips
Safety Reminders
- ⚠️ Always test on demo first
- ⚠️ Start with minimum risk (1% or less)
- ⚠️ Never risk more than you can afford to lose
- ⚠️ Monitor the EA regularly
- ⚠️ Keep MetaTrader running when EA is active
Getting Help
Check These First:
- EA_DOCUMENTATION.md - Comprehensive guide
- Experts tab - EA log messages
- Journal tab - MetaTrader system messages
Common Questions:
Q: Why isn't the EA trading? A: The EA only trades when a MA crossover occurs. This might take hours or days depending on market conditions.
Q: Can I run multiple EAs? A: Yes, but use different Magic Numbers for each EA.
Q: Does my computer need to stay on? A: Yes, MT5 must be running for the EA to trade. Consider using a VPS for 24/7 operation.
Q: What happens during weekends? A: The forex market is closed. The EA will not trade but will resume Monday when markets open.
Next Steps
After successful installation:
- ✅ Read EA_DOCUMENTATION.md for detailed parameter explanations
- ✅ Backtest the EA on historical data
- ✅ Run on demo for at least 2 weeks
- ✅ Study the forex materials included in the repository
- ✅ Start with small position sizes when going live
Remember: This EA is a tool to assist your trading. Always maintain proper risk management and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Good luck with your automated trading! 📈