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Help, guides and answers

Install a tool, set up a VPS, move a licence to a new account, or find a quick answer. Still stuck? Email thechartmechanics@outlook.com and we'll reply within 1 working day.

Install guideVPS guideLicencesFAQ
Install guide

Installing a TCM tool

About two minutes. Do it just after a candle closes, with no EA trade open if you can.

  1. Save the file

    Save the .ex4 file from your delivery email to your desktop.

  2. Open the data folder

    In MT4 choose File › Open Data Folder, then open MQL4.

  3. Copy it into the right folder

    Indicators go in MQL4\Indicators. Expert Advisors go in MQL4\Experts.

  4. Restart MT4

    Or right-click the Navigator and choose Refresh.

  5. Attach it to a chart

    Drag the tool from the Navigator onto a chart. For an EA, tick Allow live trading on the Common tab and make sure the AutoTrading button is green.

  6. Check the corner of the chart

    The tool's name and status line appear at the top. "Not licensed" means the file was built for a different account number: email us.

  1. Save the file

    Save the .ex5 file from your delivery email to your desktop.

  2. Open the data folder

    In MT5 choose File › Open Data Folder, then open MQL5.

  3. Copy it into the right folder

    Indicators go in MQL5\Indicators. Expert Advisors go in MQL5\Experts.

  4. Refresh the Navigator

    Right-click the Navigator and choose Refresh, or restart MT5.

  5. Attach it to a chart

    Drag the tool onto a chart. For an EA, tick Allow Algo Trading on the Common tab and make sure the Algo Trading button in the toolbar is on.

  6. Check the corner of the chart

    The tool's name and status line appear at the top. "Not licensed" means the file was built for a different account number: email us.

Phone alerts

Install the MetaTrader app on your phone, copy the MetaQuotes ID from its settings, then paste it into Tools › Options › Notifications on your computer and tick "Enable push notifications". Then switch on phone notifications in the tool's inputs.

No DLLs needed

TCM tools don't use DLLs or web requests, so you can leave "Allow DLL imports" switched off.

VPS guide

Running an EA around the clock

An EA only works while MetaTrader is open and connected. If your laptop sleeps, the Wi-Fi drops or Windows restarts for an update, the EA stops and any open trade is left unmanaged. A VPS (virtual private server) is a Windows computer in a data centre that stays on 24/5, and it costs about the same as a couple of coffees a month.

Indicators don't need a VPS unless you want phone alerts while your own computer is off.

The VPS we use

EVPS (evps.net)

Windows VPS plans built for MetaTrader, with London servers close to most brokers.

PlanGood forApprox. price
Basic · 2 GB1–2 charts$12–15 / month
Standard · 4 GB2–4 charts · best for most$18–25 / month
Pro · 8 GB4–8 charts$30–45 / month
Visit EVPS ↗

Affiliate link. If you buy through it we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are EVPS's and can change; check their site. Any Windows VPS will run TCM tools, including your broker's own VPS or MetaTrader's built-in virtual hosting.

Setting up a VPS in about five minutes

  1. Buy a Windows plan in London

    Choose a Windows plan with a London location (or New York if your broker's servers are there). Your login details arrive by email: an IP address, a username and a password.

  2. Connect with Remote Desktop

    Windows: press Windows + R, type mstsc, press Enter, and type the IP address and username. Mac, iPhone or Android: install the Windows App (formerly Microsoft Remote Desktop) and add the VPS with the same details.

  3. Install MetaTrader on the VPS

    Inside the VPS, open a browser, download your broker's MT4 or MT5, install it and log in to your trading account.

  4. Install your TCM tool

    Copy your .ex4 or .ex5 file into the VPS (copy and paste works through Remote Desktop), then follow the install guide above. For an EA, switch on Algo Trading (MT5) or AutoTrading (MT4).

  5. Disconnect, don't shut down

    Close the Remote Desktop window to leave everything running. Never choose Shut down, Sign out or Log off on the VPS, because that closes MetaTrader.

  6. Keep it running

    Pause or schedule Windows Updates so the VPS doesn't restart during the trading week, and log in once a week to check MetaTrader is still connected.

Don't run the same EA twice

If the EA runs on the VPS, remove it from your home computer's charts. Two copies on the same account both manage the same trades and can open double positions.

One licence, any computer

Your licence is tied to your trading account number, not to a computer, so the same file works on your PC and your VPS.

Licences

Changing accounts and re-downloads

Tools are built for the account numbers you give at checkout. Courses aren't locked.

New account
Email us your order number, old account number and new one. We send a re-issued file within 1 working day.
Add an account
A Single licence can be upgraded to Multi (up to 3 accounts) by paying the difference.
Lost your file
Course downloads are on your order page. For tools, email us and we'll resend your copy.
Updates
Fixes and improvements to the version you bought are free. We email you when one is ready.

The FAQ covers buying, licences, every tool, the courses, custom builds, refunds and safety, with a search box.

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