Summary: Your MT4 EA stops when your computer sleeps. Solve it with a Forex VPS. This guide covers selecting a low-latency VPS, installing MT4, attaching your EA, and configuring auto-restart.
Step 1: Choose a Forex-optimized VPS Provider
Pick a VPS located near your broker‘s trading server. Popular options include commercial VPS (e.g., Beeks, FXVM) or free VPS offered by some brokers (e.g., VPS for $1000+ monthly volume). Screenshot: Comparison table of VPS providers with latency numbers.
Step 2: Purchase and Access Your VPS
After purchase, you will receive an IP address, username, and password. Download any Remote Desktop client (Windows built-in ‘Remote Desktop Connection’ works best). Enter the IP address and connect. Screenshot: Remote Desktop Connection window with IP filled.
Step 3: Install MT4 on the VPS
Inside the VPS desktop, open a browser. Download MT4 from your broker’s website or MetaQuotes official site. Run the installer and complete the installation (same as on your local PC). Screenshot: MT4 installer running on VPS desktop.
Step 4: Log in to Your Trading Account
Open MT4 on the VPS. Click ‘File’ → ‘Login to Trade Account’. Enter your account number, password, and select the correct server. Click ‘OK’. Screenshot: Login window with credentials filled.
Step 5: Attach Your EA to Charts
From the Navigator window, drag your EA onto the chart(s) you want to trade. Set parameters and ensure ‘Allow DLL imports’ is checked if needed. Confirm the smiley face icon appears. Screenshot: EA attached to chart on VPS with smiley icon.
Step 6: Enable AutoTrading and Keep MT4 Running
Click the ‘AutoTrading’ button on the toolbar (should be green). Do not close MT4 – simply minimize the Remote Desktop window. The VPS runs 24/7 even when you disconnect. Screenshot: AutoTrading button highlighted in green.
Step 7: Test Disconnection and Reconnection
Close your Remote Desktop session. Wait 5 minutes. Log back into the VPS. Your MT4 should still be open with the EA running. Check the Experts tab for any errors. Screenshot: Experts tab showing continuous trading logs.
Extra Tip – Auto-Restart After VPS Reboot
Some VPS providers reboot weekly. To auto-start MT4 and EA, place a shortcut of MT4 in the ‘Startup’ folder of Windows (C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup). Screenshot: Startup folder with MT4 shortcut.
Reference: MetaQuotes Help Desk – Running MetaTrader on Virtual Private Servers.