How to Run MetaTrader as a Service | Forex Factory

Options

Permalinks
Print Thread

Similar Threads

Metatrader 4 vs Metatrader 5! 23 replies

How many metatrader apps can run on one PC? 2 replies

How To Run 2 Copies of MetaTrader 12 replies

Anyone here successfully run MetaTrader 4 under Linux VPS? 6 replies

Metatrader 5 is going to wipe out your Metatrader 4 indicators / systems 13 replies

How to Run MetaTrader as a Service

  • #1
  • First Post: Mar 13, 2007 1:43pm Mar 13, 2007 1:43pm
Is it possible to run MetaTrader4 on Windows XP as a service? I want to achieve the following goals so maybe there is an alternative solution that I'm not aware of:

1. When you log off from the system, MetaTrader runs in the background.
2. If you restart or start the system, MetaTrader starts automatically.

Thanks in advance,
Al
  • #2
  • Mar 13, 2007 2:21pm Mar 13, 2007 2:21pm
  •  tesla
  • Joined Oct 2006 | Status: Friendly Neighborhood Programmer | 533 Posts
It should be.

You can create a user-defined service via modification of the registry.
Another link describing process with some utility files.

These articles talk about 2000 & NT, but I'm 99% sure it's the same process for XP.
  • #3
  • Mar 13, 2007 4:04pm Mar 13, 2007 4:04pm
Quoting tesla
It should be.

You can create a user-defined service via modification of the registry.
Another link describing process with some utility files.

These articles talk about 2000 & NT, but I'm 99% sure it's the same process for XP.
Hi Tesla,

Thanks for your help. I have read those articles but unfortunately they do not apply to Windows XP. The commands they are talking about do not exist in XP.

Thanks again. I hope somebody comes up with a solution.
  • #4
  • Mar 13, 2007 5:07pm Mar 13, 2007 5:07pm
  •  tesla
  • Joined Oct 2006 | Status: Friendly Neighborhood Programmer | 533 Posts
The commands (executables) that you have to run aren't part of any windows os out of the box. They have to be added via download or utility pack. Check second link I posted for download.

Sorry this is short, blackberry is small and thumbs are big.
  • #5
  • Mar 13, 2007 10:04pm Mar 13, 2007 10:04pm
Quoting tesla
The commands (executables) that you have to run aren't part of any windows os out of the box. They have to be added via download or utility pack. Check second link I posted for download.

Sorry this is short, blackberry is small and thumbs are big.
Tesla,

You are officially the best. I managed to install my MT4 terminal as a service. I restarted the system once and it got started automatically. The problem is that I can't see the terminal window anymore. I'm not quite sure if I explicitly run it whether it stops in the background or what will really happen. You might have some answers for me.

Anyway, I also let it run for a while, say to the end of week and see if it really works smoothly.

Thanks again,
Al
  • #6
  • Mar 14, 2007 3:36am Mar 14, 2007 3:36am
Quoting aparsai
Tesla,

You are officially the best. I managed to install my MT4 terminal as a service. I restarted the system once and it got started automatically. The problem is that I can't see the terminal window anymore. I'm not quite sure if I explicitly run it whether it stops in the background or what will really happen. You might have some answers for me.

Anyway, I also let it run for a while, say to the end of week and see if it really works smoothly.

Thanks again,
Al
This is exactly the reason why it is not the best idea to use it as a service. You won't be able to see the terminal again. Therefore I have a different approach. Here is a part of my How-to document:
Quote

When you trade with your home PC a problem arises when your PC reboots and you are not around to start MetaTrader with your EA. Here is a solution which I’m using for few months with success:

 

  1. Restart PC and press ‘Delete’ to go into BIOS configuration. Find power-up option and set it to ‘Power-on after power failure’.
  2. Configure auto login:

    1. Click Start, click Run and type control userpasswords2.
    2. Clear the Users must enter a username and password to use this computer check box.
    3. Click Apply.
    4. Enter the user name and password you wish to automatically log on with, and then click OK.

Now after restarting of your PC it will auto-login and execute programs in startup folder. Put there link to Metatrader. When you want the PC screen to be locked after boot then make a shortcut to lock your compute and place it in the startup folder along with your MT4 shortcuts. To do this right click an empty area of your folder, choose New/Shortcut and enter this line as the command line:

rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation

  • #7
  • Mar 14, 2007 7:19am Mar 14, 2007 7:19am
Why is it necessary to modify the bios to do this? I can place MT4 in my startup directory and it will launch on reboot without the bios mods. What am I missing?

Quoting aktur
This is exactly the reason why it is not the best idea to use it as a service. You won't be able to see the terminal again. Therefore I have a different approach. Here is a part of my How-to document:
  • #8
  • Mar 14, 2007 7:47am Mar 14, 2007 7:47am
Quoting stockwet
Why is it necessary to modify the bios to do this? I can place MT4 in my startup directory and it will launch on reboot without the bios mods. What am I missing?
This is needed only for switching power on again if your computer has had a power failure.

Otherwise, when you put all your needed shortcuts into startup folder, then they will be executed, yes, always when your start your computer.

But what happens if there is power failure? Someone has to switch power on again. Why not let BIOS to do that?
  • #9
  • Mar 14, 2007 2:29pm Mar 14, 2007 2:29pm
This is a nice discussion. Thanks for all your comments.

The reason I decided to have MT4 running as a service was due to the problems I encountered with my VDS provider. They log you off automatically if your system is idol for more than 15 minutes. If you run MT4 as a service it won't be stopped by log off.

I wanted to test this on my own machine to make sure it really works and then use it on a future VDS service that I might subscribe to.

I currently use a UPS on my own computer and it's almost impossible I get trapped by power loss. However, I liked the idea of automatic power on.

Thanks again,
Al
  • #10
  • Mar 15, 2007 3:02am Mar 15, 2007 3:02am
Quoting Abhi
This is needed only for switching power on again if your computer has had a power failure.

Otherwise, when you put all your needed shortcuts into startup folder, then they will be executed, yes, always when your start your computer.

But what happens if there is power failure? Someone has to switch power on again. Why not let BIOS to do that?
Exactly, this is why I did it. The setup was meant to manage my accounts when I was on 1.5 month business trip. I've set up remote desktop and above to be sure that everything will go up after power failure. It worked like a charm.
  • #11
  • Mar 15, 2007 3:06am Mar 15, 2007 3:06am
Quoting aparsai
The reason I decided to have MT4 running as a service was due to the problems I encountered with my VDS provider. They log you off automatically if your system is idol for more than 15 minutes. If you run MT4 as a service it won't be stopped by log off.
Yes, this is a common problem. Would it not be better to search a provider who is specialized in running MT4?
  • #12
  • Mar 15, 2007 7:29am Mar 15, 2007 7:29am
Quoting aktur
Yes, this is a common problem. Would it not be better to search a provider who is specialized in running MT4?
Are there any that you are aware of?
  • #13
  • Mar 15, 2007 9:09am Mar 15, 2007 9:09am
Quoting aparsai
Are there any that you are aware of?
Well, me together with some friends are betatesting one right now. Soon we will offer it to wide public.
  • #14
  • Last Post: Mar 16, 2007 10:32am Mar 16, 2007 10:32am
Quoting aktur
Well, me together with some friends are betatesting one right now. Soon we will offer it to wide public.
Hi aktur,

Please PM me when you feel it's okay to use.

Thanks,
Al
0 traders viewing now