Even if you only have one computer, if you have to reinstall your operating system or change a hard drive, setting up MetaTrader all over again can be a pain.
That's why you need to do a MetaTrader sync.
If you do have multiple computers, then you probably understand how much of a hassle it can be to add your custom indicators again and get your charts just right.
Yes, you can backup your install or simply save your templates.
But every time you make one small change and forget to backup (which can happen a lot), you will lose your most recent settings.
At least that is has been my experience, you might be better at doing backups than I am.
So in this post, I'm going to show you a really simple way of doing an automatic MetaTrader sync so that you always have your most recent version of MetaTrader stored safely.
This method will work for both MT4 and MT5.
Since I originally wrote this tutorial for MT4, I'll only refer to MT4 going forward.
Although this has obvious benefits, there are also some limitations and drawbacks to this method, so I will get into that too.
I tried several different methods of backing up my MetaTrader install from manually backing up template files, to writing backup scripts, to manually backing up my whole MT folder.
This method works best for me…
How to Automatically Do a MetaTrader Sync
Saving and syncing all of your MetaTrader installation information is actually really simple.
First, you have to install Dropbox. If you have never used Dropbox before, it makes is really easy to sync information between your computer and their servers.
Simply go to the Dropbox website and download it. The best part is that it is free and works on Windows, Mac and Linux. Installing Dropbox on Linux is a little tricky, so be sure to read this tutorial first.
After you install it, you will have a Dropbox folder on your computer. Anything that you put into this folder will be automatically synced with Dropbox.
Now go to your broker's website and download their latest version of MetaTrader.
During the installation process, instead of installing MetaTrader to the default location, install it to your Dropbox folder.
If you already have a Dropbox account, simply create a new folder in your main Dropbox folder and install MetaTrader there.
Now you can install Dropbox on any computer, log into your account and you will be able to run MetaTrader directly from that folder.
Just double click on the terminal.exe file in the folder to run it.
That's it!
No more manual backups and no more time wasted on setting up charts.
You even can setup MetaTrader on your Windows computer and jump over to a Mac or Linux computer later.
MetaTrader may ask you to login to your account again, but that is the only additional step that you might have to take.
But there are some drawbacks to using this method.
Limitations of this MetaTrader Sync Method
First of all, if you use this method, you can only use MetaTrader on one computer at a time.
If you use it on your laptop, you have to close it before you use it on your desktop.
The reason is that Dropbox will continually sync from the two computers. This will lead to multiple copies of your charts and other files.
Trust me, it gets messy.
So if you are going to use this method, be sure to close MetaTrader on your current computer before moving to another computer.
You can also create separate folders for each computer, then have a chron job that runs periodically to copy the master folder to the other folders.
This can be a pain to setup, so I would recommend using TradingView for your charting if you just want to access your chart drawings on multiple computers.
Second, if you are using a free Dropbox account, there is not enough space to download all of the historical data for every pair.
That is fine in most cases because you really don't need all that historical data unless you are trading longer term charts or doing a ton of backtesting. If you are day trading or swing trading, you should be fine.
When I talk about historical data, I'm talking about data that goes back to the 1980s or even before. Again, most traders won't need that much data.
I found that I could download the complete history of about three or four pairs before space started to get tight in my Dropbox account.
Dropbox gives you 2GB for free, which is more than enough to run a standard installation of MetaTrader.
However, if you feel that you need more space because you do need more historical data, then you will have to pay to upgrade your Dropbox account, or not use this method.
For this reason, I upgraded to the Pro plan.
Remove the Duplication Issue by Copying the Folder
The easiest way to solve the duplication issue is to simply duplicate your first MT4 folder in Dropbox.
Then do a selective sync so the second computer only uses that folder.
Here's how to do that…
First, copy the folder in Dropbox by clicking on the menu button (with the three dots) on the right side of the folder's line.
Then paste the folder to your main Dropbox folder by clicking on it in the selection box and clicking the Copy button.
Then you will have a copy of the original folder.
Rename it by clicking on the menu button again on the right side of the line and select Rename.
Name the folder something that makes sense to you. Let's say that you are going to use this copy of the install on a Dell computer.
You would name the folder something like:
Then on the computer (in this case, the Dell), click on the Dropbox icon in the tray and click on the settings icon. After that, click on Preferences.
On the next screen, click on Account > Selective Sync.
Then check the box of the folder you want to sync with.
Now click on the terminal application in your Dropbox folder to launch MT4.
Create a shortcut on your desktop or somewhere that is easy to access.
You now have a second copy of MT4, with no duplication!
Repeat for any additional computers you want to backup.
If you can setup a chron job on one of your computers to do the MetaTrader sync, that would be ideal.
How to Fix Some Elements Not Getting Copied to Dropbox
Since build 600 of MetaTrader 4, all custom templates, indicators and other assets of MT4 get copied to your user folder, outside of the MT4 install folder.
This means that they do not get backed up to Dropbox.
Luckily, this is pretty easy to fix.
It has to do with how MT4 is launched. When you launch MT4 in regular mode, it stores the assets in a separate folder in your user profile.
However, when you launch it in portable mode, it will keep all of the files in the same folder. Yeah, that doesn't make any sense, but it is what it is.
So, to launch MetaTrader 4 in portable mode, you have to a small tweak to your program file or shortcut. If you have a shortcut in your taskbar, then right-click on the shortcut, then right-click on MetaTrader, then click on Properties.
If you have a regular program in your MT4 folder, then you have to create a shortcut and always launch the program from that shortcut.
Then in the properties menu, add the portable command by typing in:
/portable
…after the existing command in the Target field. Yes, there is a space before /portable.
Then that's it!
When you launch MT4 again, you will be in portable mode and all changes will be saved to Dropbox.
Remember that if you had made any changes before, you will have to copy those assets from your user folder to your Dropbox folder before going to portable mode, or start all over.
Copying MetaTrader Files From User Profile
As mentioned above, MetaTrader does a weird thing where profiles do not get backed up to the cloud storage (like Dropbox). It only gets saved in the user profile.
So to copy them to your Dropbox drive, do the following:
- In MT4 click: File > Open Data Folder > Profiles
- Copy all the folders to the corresponding Dropbox folder and overwrite everything
- Close/reopen platform
The updated profile should now be available.
Changing Your MT Icon
There have been some questions that have come up about this process. But if you read the comments below, I think that they will answer most of your questions.
I also want to thank Trading Heroes reader Richard for submitting the following solutions:
You may want to change your MT4 icon, especially if you are running multiple instances of MetaTrader. Here is how you do it:
- Open broker folder in cloud storage
- Create shortcut of ‘terminal' (app) (I moved mine to desktop)
- Right click on above shortcut
- Click Properties > Change Icon > Browse > terminal icon (found in the relevant broker's folder in cloud) > apply/ok
You should now be able to happily pin your special broker icon to your taskbar.
BTW, Richard is using Microsoft's OneDrive, so this works for other cloud storage as well!
Thanks again Richard!
Conclusion
So that is the easiest way that I have found to automatically backup and run MetaTrader from multiple computers. It is super simple and free, in most cases.
If you don't want to use this method with your primary Dropbox account, just use another email address and setup another account. I hope that this tip saves you a ton of time and frustration.
Looking for a new trading computer? I'll show you how to choose the best one in this post.
Disclaimer: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We do make a commission if you purchase through these links, but it does not cost you anything extra and we only promote products and services that we wholeheartedly believe in. TradingHeroes.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Great post Hugh. I’ve just got a quick question. You said: “…if you use this method, you can only use Metatrader on one computer at a time. If you use it on your laptop, you have to close it before you use it on your desktop.
The reason is that Dropbox will continually sync from the two computers. This will lead to multiple copies of your charts and other files.”
Would that issue still occur if you were to use a different broker on each computer? I ask because I’m trying to find a way to have the same instance of metatrader open with two different brokers simultaneously. I’m essentially trying to avoid having to repurchase certain indicators just because I want to trade with two separate brokers for different reasons.
Thanks
BTW I’m using MT5, not 4. Not sure if that’s relevant.
Hi James,
Thanks, I’ve never tried that before so I don’t know how it would work. If you use different templates for each broker, theoretically it shouldn’t duplicate. But give it a try and let me know… 🙂
Will do. In the meantime I’m experiencing some technical difficulties. You said: “Now go to your broker’s website and download their latest version of Metatrader. During the installation process, instead of installing Metatrader to the default location, install it to your Dropbox folder.” However, I’ve tried downloading both MT4 and MT5 from a couple of different brokers and none provided the option of changing the destination folder during any stage of the installation. I tried moving my metatrader folder from C:// to my dropbox and OneDrive account with no luck – the updates to my templates and indicators folder did’t sync. The strange thing is that it doesn’t appear to just merely copy the metatrader folder (since the original folder is no longer in the original location: “C://”), but actually relocated it. Any suggestions on how to resolve this? Am I missing/overlooking something during the installation process? Thanks
It looks like the setup process has changed can you can no longer determine the install location. After you manually copy the files to Dropbox, are you still using the old shortcut to the C: install?
Hi
I am not sure i understand this correctly.
Please comment:
1) If i install MT4-1-HP and then copy it as MT4-1-DELL, does that means i can open both terminals on different computers simultaneously?
2) If answer to Q1 is No, then i do not understand whats the reason to make copy
3) If i make copy of MT4-1 to MT4-1-COPY, how is possible that charts are updated in different folder if i use different folders for each terminal.exe ?
Thanks for help!
Hi Tom,
1. Yes.
3. You would have to determine which is the primary folder and copy the contents to the other folder. For example, if you changed things in folder 1, then you would have to copy to folder 2. And vice versa. If one computer always has the changes, then you could write a script and run a daily job that copies automatically.
Yeah, it’s messy. A VPS is a cleaner way to do it, but it’s slow and not an option for everyone. That’s why I stopped using MT4 and use TradingView.
Happy New Year!
hi hugh kimura how are you sir?
i wana to know that can we use dropbox for mobile version and then synch our mt5 account?
Hi Soroush,
The dropbox method would not work for mobile because it’s on it’s own platform. Unfortunately they don’t talk to each other. That’s why I recommend TradingView, if that is an option for you.
Hi Hugh sir,
I have installed 4 instances of mt4 on my desktop, and always run simultaneously, while at home, and use my laptop when out.If I install one of the instances into dropbox, it synchronizes with the laptop. so, I can open from terminal.exe, it sounds great. But you said, before using on second computer, we need to close it in first computer. My question is, when I am at home can I still open all of the 4 instances ( if one of them install into dropbox) at the same time ? I am worried , whether the dropbox synchronizes charts and files among the 4 instances of my desktop and makes messy or not ?
Thanks.
Bhanu
Hi Bhanu,
It should be OK to open all 4 instances on your desktop, with one of them synchronized to Dropbox. As long as MT4 is closed on your laptop for the instance that is synced. Be sure to do a backup before you try anything though. Then if there is some sort of unforeseen issue, you can always restore the previous version.
I am using OneDrive to back up MT4 in order to use MT4 on multiple computers. I have followed the above instructions and all seems fine but I keep getting multiple charts, as per the above instructions I am only using one computer at a time and should not incur this issue.
For your information while setting up I missed the “Remove the Duplication Issue by Copying the Folder” step as this will not allow the charts to sync to different computers.
Please advice of any possible fix. Thanks
Hi,
I’m not sure what the issue is. Are you closing MT4 on each computer before you use the other computer? That is the only thing that I could think of.
If you cannot solve the issue, then an alternative is to run MT4 on one computer and do a remote desktop into that computer with the other computer.
Cheers,
Hugh
thanks Hugh, I am fairly sure I am closing MT4 before opening on the other computer, but will retest. Can you recommend any applications to run the remote desktop?
Microsoft’s Remote Desktop is usually the best bet because it’s native to the OS. You could also try something like Teamviewer.
it asks for my password everytime I open MT4. Is this normal?
It shouldn’t. Contact MT4 support to see if they have a fix.
Finally, thought I was the only one! I did this with an accounting program I won’t name for fear they will find a way to prevent it (because they want to charge for each computer and each installation) I work from home part of the time, so putting the accounting program on Dropbox, and accessing it from the office or at home, enables me to work smoothly and not have to pay the software company additional licenses or installations.
Are you a Virgo also?
Hey Laurel,
Yeah, it’s super useful! Nope, Aquarius 🙂
Thanks Hugh for another great article!
I think this is a great solution, but I am also wanting to set up email alerts following advice from your other articles. I understand that for alerts to be sent, my computer must be running which is fine, so I can catch a trade when I am elsewhere with my laptop. However, how does this square with your dropbox method above given you can only use MT on one computer at a time?
Is the solution to keep one instance of MT ‘outside’ of dropbox to be (kept open on my desktop and) used purely for sending alerts? But this might be a bit clunky… What do you think?
Hi Guido,
Good question. You can use the Dropbox synced MT instance to send alerts, that’s what I do. I run it on a VPS.
Hope your trading is going well!
Hugh
Hi,
I have my MT4 installed in Dropbox
I purchased an ea with 5 activations allowed in 5 computer, but it only works in one of my computers. If I install a new mt4 on c:\ it works fine ( I spend 2 instalations, one in each computer), but in my MT4 installled in DropBox the EA only works from one computer. From the other, I can see it in my EA list, but I can’t use it
Any ideas of what happens?
Thank you!
Hi Eric,
You should ask the company you bought the EA from. They can help you out, it depends on how they handle the licensing.
Hugh
Great post and very helpful! Thanks!
Happy it helped!
Hi Hugh,
thank you for indication, for Mac too, but i would need an additional help. I installed MT4 on mac, with some difficultss, but all is working fine. MT4 on mac is located in a virtual cartel, and its files work only under playonmac program through wine. My question is: on mac, where have i put dropbox? or better, have i move the directory with MT4 files under dropbox directory? but in this case how could wine/playonmac work? (in fact this virtual cartel with MT4 files is near other additional cartels of playonmac/wine; i wait your kind indication before doing some ‘disaster’,
thank you, Michele
Hi Michele,
That is a good question, I’ve never thought of doing that before. My guess would be that you have to move the entire Wine installation to the Dropbox folder, then install MT4.
Here’s a tutorial on how to move the folder to an external hard drive. It should be the same process to move it to the Dropbox folder: http://askubuntu.com/questions/576888/how-to-change-the-directory-wine-of-wine-to-a-different-directory
Let me know how it goes 🙂
Great post!!! Thank you very much for your work
Will try it!!!
You’re welcome!
Great information Hugh – much thanks for your help
You’re welcome Marcin 🙂
For those really struggling like I was visit http://www.forexfactory.com/showthread.php?p=8326138
Basically you need modify the target address in the shortcut of MT4 to run in portable mode which prevents the profile settings from being saved in the Roaming folder.
i.e…
“C:\Program Files\MT4\terminal.exe” /portable
Thanks, appreciate the tip!
Hi Hugh…just found this post and find it insightful. A quick question..
If I have two accounts at the same broker, how should this be handled? As you know, one installation of MT can only open one account at a time. To work around this, I have two virtual machines setup, and each installation of MT4 connects to a different account. How should this be configured in DropBox?
Thanks in advance.
Aaron
Hi Aaron,
Sure, no problem. Just setup a separate folder for each MT4 install in Dropbox. Then in each VM, only sync to the corresponding folder, using Selective Sync. This will save space on your VMs.
Hope that helps…
Hugh
Hi,
Many thanks as Dropbox appears to be a good solution to this issue. Can I ask one question please – what about security and Dropbox? The idea of installing MT4 directly into it raises alarm bells with me – although I may be over thinking it. Is there something that you would approve of for making this security tight – for example extra protection for passwords etc. Apologies if my question appears pedestrian but I am an Accountant and probably lack IT skills.
Once again, thanks for giving your time
Dreamteam
Hi,
The bottom line is that if you are not comfortable, don’t do it. Dropbox is a storage solution for many businesses and individuals, but anytime you store anything online, there is a risk of being compromised. Ask yourself what the worst case scenario is and if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Sir: I already have a FXCM MT4 instance running on my desktop, have followed your instructions and finally got dropbox on the “server”. Do I download a new copy of MT$ from FXCM website, or can I just upload my already customized MT$ to my dropbox account and fire away?
Thanks.
Richard
You should reinstall a new copy to Dropbox.
halo,
I have been trying, but it can not work since the folder is always located in C Folder C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\MetaQuotes\Terminal\BEF359FDE2D062BEB4BDC68B71584E94. Even we installed on dropbox folder, the data is always saved in C Folder.
Regards,
Donny
Hi Donny,
I’m not sure what you mean by it doesn’t work. I’ve done this on three different computers and it has worked fine. What exactly doesn’t work? Was MT already installed on that computer?
Cheers,
Hugh
Hi Hugh,
Really glad that you are very responsive, i will publish my blog related with forex maybe we can share each other.
Regarding mt4 sync, i have installed this on one computer, i assume i that i have not to installed the MT4 program on the other computer so we just instantly click the exe files on the dropbox folder.
to make sure, are you that all files is saved on drop box folder? can you check on the MT4 = files – open data folder ( there should come back again to C folder instead of dropbox folder ) because i have installed the mt4 in dropbox folder with located in (C:UsersDony A.WDropboxMT 4 SYNC) but when i trying open the exe files and make sure where the data saved ( do the MT4 = files – open data folder ) the data always move to the c folder outside of dropbox folder. thats why i always failed to sync the mt4 with another computer.
Hi Donny,
Once you open MT from the Dropbox folder on computer #2, it will create some local files, but you should be able to sync your settings. Yes, if you install it to the Dropbox folder on computer #1, you should be able to open terminal.exe on computer #2 without actually installing MT. Your charts and settings should look the same. I’ve done it between WinXP, Win7 and Ubuntu and it worked fine.
1. What exactly are you trying to sync or what is not working? Is it indicators, chart settings, etc.?
2. Are you running MT from the same Dropbox account/folder on the two computers at once? If you are, then there will be read/write conflicts, as mentioned in the post.
Cheers,
Hugh
Facing the same problem here
I can load up the MT4 programme on computer #2 without having to install the programme, but the charts settings, annotations, lines I did on computer #1 etc. does not show up on computer #2. Is there something I am doing wrong?
I closed MT4 on the first computer first, waited for dropbox to fully synch before opening terminal.exe on computer #2 through dropbox
Thanks
Ok I just found the solution!
http://www.forexfactory.com/showthread.php?t=206138
Basically, in the top right corner of the system, there is a ‘save template’.
Save the template file in the same dropbox folder/directory.
Open terminal.exe from computer #2, load template, and load that same template file.
Viola!
Before closing, save the template again and overwrite the same file.
Let dropbox sync.
Repeat these steps when opening from computer 1
abit tedious but it works
=)))
Thanks Asyraf, I haven’t had to do that, but I’m happy you got it working!
Happy Trading,
Hugh