Transfering an EA computer

The machine I am currently running my EA's on, across varied Demos and live accounts, is starting to die. I have another computer set up to be a full time EA machine, but I need to know what program files to transfer over to the new machine. Obviously my live accounts are primary concern, they operate using magic numbers, I need to know how to transfer over and have them recognize their trades and begin managing them again. Thanks.

I would just copy the whole MT4 folder that is located in the program files folder. That way you have your server files, profiles, and templates as well as everything in the experts folder and below. If you you want to be sure about registry issues install a new copy of MetaTrader from the same broker to the new computer and then copy the folder contents over. I've never bothered to do this on Windows XP and my programs still work fine. If you don't install MT4 first you have to make your own shortcuts etc.. Since you have several platforms MT4 platforms running you will have several MT4 folders to copy over. Try moving one over first to get the feel.

The actual files needed for EA management vary depending on the EA. I think most of the files would be in the experts folder and below. For example some EAs need files in the file, libraries, and indicator folders to continue operating. You would still need to set the charts back up without the current profile.

What nvwine said. my experience is that copying the entire metatrader directory is all that's needed to move between pcs. I've never checked to see if the parameter values were retained, but I expect that they would be.

recently had my main machine die and had to do the same, nvwine and tesla are both correct, just copy the main mt directory and everything in it - your EA's will retain their magic #s, etc.

You are all right I just did this a week ago. Put it all on a thumb drive and loaded it into new machine worked like a charm

Thanks guys, that was what I was going to try. Decided to ask before touching my live accounts.

"Thumb drive" I assume is that little thing we can poke into the USB socket? They replace the older floppy disc function. ( Hey, make allowances here guys, I am 69 yo and was late coming to PCs )

I do that all the time between my desktop and laptop. The laptop is my backup for those annoying power failures and I keep it up to date with what I am doing on the desktop. Handy little gadgets Hey?

Yeah, they are great. This gave me a good excuse to upgrade from my old 1gig one to a new 10gig one. Yay toys.

Did I need it, no.
Does the wife think I needed it, yes.