how to compile old mql4-files

I was longer absent now because of strong health implications, that is the reason I have not posted since ~3 weeks.

I am not sure if someone has mentioned that in the "build 600 thread" at http://www.forexfactory.com/showthread.php?t=469491 , but I assume it is worth an extra thread, so here we go :nerd:

There are 3 methods to get your mql4-files running:

1.) Change the program code to fit the requirements of the new mql4-version
2.) pay some professionell to do that for your
3.) use an old version of the compiler (but I do not know how long it will be running without update)

Let us speak about point 3.): Unzip the contents of the folder and start the metaeditor.exe (taken from an older alpari-demoaccount-installation), load your mql4-file, press F5 to compile and copy the generated .ex4 file (NOT the .mq4!) in the appropriate folder.
Find the .zip-file attached (I have uploaded it also at another forum and here and at Steve Hopwoods Forum, so if you have downloaded it there you do not need to download it again).

Hint: To use the old, well known, folder structure, try to start your mt4 in the "portable modus".
You can automate that by creating a textfile in the main mt4-folder (where terminal.exe is located). Call the file SOMENAME.bat (.bat is important!, so you could name it startmt4.bat or so) with the following content (works at least under wincrap 7):
start "" terminal.exe /portable

It may cause problems when copying the mq4 file also to the proper directory, so pls. copy the .ex4 only, ...

Start your mt4 by doubleclicking the .bat-file. Now it should use the old structure (mt4-dir/experts/ for eas for example).

hope this helps and someone has a use of that

edit: I have attached the zip (but removed the terminal.chm to reduce the filesize, I think it works also, but not tested)
edit1: the metaeditor version is Build 509, Version: 4.00 (24. June 2013)

edit2: !!! remember to only copy the generated .ex4 files to your experts/indicators/scripts directory, not the mq4
I have uploaded the editor ~~mql4Editor.build 509_v4.00.24.zip without the terminal.exe/terminal.chm and included a short readme.htm file, also included is the "inputbox.dll", see readme for details

NOTICE that the folder structure with mt4 build 600+ has changed,
so if you do not run mt4 in portable mode, the indicators-folder is somewhere like C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\MetaQuotes\Terminal\UNIQE-TERMINAL-HASHCODE\MQL4\INDICATORS, the experts-folder C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\MetaQuotes\Terminal\UNIQE-TERMINAL-HASHCODE\MQL4\EXPERTS, scripts at C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\MetaQuotes\Terminal\UNIQE-TERMINAL-HASHCODE\MQL4\SCRIPTS, and so on

another way to find the right folders:
Right-click some of you scripts in your mt4 and open them (edit) in the metaeditor.
in the editor, click "file" - "save as ...". a popup will show up in the path the script is located. So you can see which is the right folder ...

see also: http://www.forexfactory.com/showthre...23#post7448823 or the note regarding mt4 updates/the folder structure

edit: how to use it, example -> pls. read http://www.forexfactory.com/showthre...80#post7536580

You rather create a shortcut and append /portable to the "Target" field of the shortcut.

it is also possible, of course. I personally prefer the batch (.bat)-solution, it is more "dimwit-proof", but depends on the personal taste.
As you would say in "thinglish": it is same same ...

Usually, people would have already a shortcut installed; making the shortcut option seem more elegant or natural.

just read the post by hanover who also uploaded an <build 600 mql4-editor/workaround to continue developing < build 600 mql4. find his post at http://www.forexfactory.com/showthre...03#post7269903

Mr C has mentioned an alternative to the old build 509 mql4 compiler: http://www.abundancetradinggroup.com...-ex4-compiler/

Thank you.

would n't work for me man check it out if possible please

You have to download the editor from post 1. And it is working, see attached ...

because that question is still asked -> pls. notice that the folder-structure with mt4 build600+ has changed:

see also: this post -> http://www.forexfactory.com/showthre...97#post7350797

attached a note of AlpariBroker regarding mt4 updates and the new folder-structure.

It is true that a shortcut is more elegant but there is a side benefit to a bat file. If you copy mt4 to another location, the bat file will continue to work properly while the shortcut will not.

yesss
especially if you are running your mt4-terminals from a encrpyted drive (like truecrypt) and usb-stick

Hi PLEASE can anyone tell me How to convert Exe file to MQL4 file so that i can use the Indicator on New Mt4 version ?

If you have the ex4 then you don't need the mq4 file.

hey but my mt4 is not detecting ex4 files.i am trying to use zup indicator

pls. ask your question in the other threads. This is thread is about the build 509 compiler ONLY.

And if you had read this thread (post 1 -> edit2: !!! remember to only copy the generated .ex4 files to your experts/indicators/scripts directory, not the mq4 ) carefully you would have learned that you have to compile the zup-indicator (because it is <build 600 code) with the build 509 compiler and after that copy the .ex4 file only to the proper indicators directory.

This thread help me too much. Thanks a lot

i have same problem. my metatrader version 4-670 ; metaeditor version 5-966
i cant compile indicators

pls. read the thread