Skip to main content

💾 Installation Guide

info

These are Version 4 installation steps. The latest stable Version 4 release is v4.5.1. Version 4 uses MQL4\Experts\BananaEA.ex4; Version 5 installs separately and uses Version 5 presets.

🚀 Before You Begin​

Make sure you have the following ready:

✅ MetaTrader 4 (MT4) installed and working ✅ Active broker account with MT4 access ✅ Valid BananaEA License Key (provided with purchase) ✅ AutoTrading enabled in MT4 → Tools → Options → Expert Advisors

📁 File Installation​

Step 1: Download BananaEA Package​

Single Zip File: Download the latest BananaEA.zip from Latest Downloads on your member dashboard.

Zip Contents (MQL4 folder structure):

FileFolderDescription
BananaEA.ex4MQL4/Experts/Main Expert Advisor
iTradeAIMSLib.ex4MQL4/Libraries/Required dependency (MUST be installed)
BananaBacktestLicense_202601.ex4MQL4/Libraries/6-Month License (Valid until June 30, 2026)
BEA4-DAXH1-A.setMQL4/Presets/DAX H1 preset configuration
BEA4-DAXM5-Main.setMQL4/Presets/DAX M5 preset configuration

Backtest license: The current backtest license file is valid for 6 months. Check your customer portal for the latest license file and expiry date.

⚠️ Note: Preset filenames may vary in future updates. Always check the latest files in your customer portal.

Optimization Sets: Download the latest optimization sets from https://my.itradeaims.net/latest-optimization-sets/

Step 2: Locate MT4 Data Folder​

  1. Open MetaTrader 4
  2. Click File → Open Data Folder
  3. This opens your MT4 installation directory

Step 3: Extract and Copy Files​

Quick Installation:

  1. Extract the downloaded BananaEA.zip file
  2. Copy the entire MQL4 folder from the zip
  3. Paste into your MT4 Terminal folder (from Step 2)
  4. Click "Yes to All" when Windows asks to merge/replace files

What Gets Installed:

  • ✅ BananaEA.ex4 → Experts folder
  • ✅ iTradeAIMSLib.ex4 → Libraries folder
  • ✅ BananaBacktestLicense_202601.ex4 → Libraries folder (6-month license!)
  • ✅ Preset files → Presets folder

⚠️ Critical: Without iTradeAIMSLib.ex4 in the Libraries folder, the EA will not initialize and may show errors.

Manual Installation (if preferred):

  • Copy .set files → MQL4/Presets/
  • Copy templates → MQL4/Templates/
  • Copy images → MQL4/Images/

Step 3a: Set High DPI Compatibility for Fresh MT4 Installs​

If this is a new MT4 installation, check the Windows High DPI compatibility setting before you rely on the object-based BananaEA dashboard.

Use this fix if the dashboard looks too small, stretched, clipped, misplaced, or the buttons do not line up with mouse clicks.

  1. Close MetaTrader 4 completely.
  2. Open the folder where MT4 is installed.
    • If you use a desktop shortcut, right-click the shortcut and choose Open file location.
    • Look for terminal.exe. It may appear as terminal if Windows hides file extensions.
  3. Right-click terminal.exe and choose Properties.
  4. Open the Compatibility tab.
  5. Click Change high DPI settings.
  6. Tick Override high DPI scaling behaviour.
  7. Set Scaling performed by to System.
  8. Click OK, then Apply, then OK.
Windows compatibility settings for MT4 terminal.exe showing the High DPI scaling override set to System
Use System scaling for MT4 terminal.exe so the BananaEA dashboard objects align correctly.

For more display symptoms and checks, see MT4 High DPI compatibility fix.

Step 4: Restart MetaTrader 4​

  1. Close MT4 completely
  2. Re-open MT4
  3. BananaEA should now appear under Navigator → Expert Advisors

Step 5: Attach EA to Chart​

  1. In Navigator, expand Expert Advisors
  2. Double-click BananaEA, or drag it onto your chart

⚙️ Configure Initial Settings​

When the EA Properties dialog opens:

Common Tab​

✅ Check Allow live trading ✅ Check Allow DLL imports ✅ Check Allow import of external experts

Inputs Tab – License & Configuration​

🔐 License Configuration (Required)​

Enter your license key in License Key.

Example License Key Format: 3bb80d54-6299-6ce9-0b63-356fb6dfc989

⚠️ Your license must match your MT4 account for the EA to function.

📊 Trading Configuration​

Configure your preferred trading parameters or load a preset file (see next section).

📈 Step 8: Install Optimization Files (ESSENTIAL)​

structured configuration files are updated weekly for current market conditions.

Download the Latest Files​

👉 https://my.itradeaims.net/latest-optimization-sets/

Installation Process​

  1. Download your chosen .set file(s)
  2. Copy to MQL4/Presets/ folder in your MT4 data directory

Load Optimization File in EA​

  1. Open EA Properties → Inputs
  2. Click Load
  3. Select your downloaded .set file
    • e.g. AZLN_BananaEA-DAX-M5-TOPDOG-PRIME.set
    • or BananaEA-DAX-M5.set

All parameters will load automatically.

✅ Step 9: Activate Trading Mode (FIRST TIME USERS)​

✨ NEW Safety Feature (v4.4.4)​

BananaEA starts in PAUSED mode for your protection. This means YOU control when trading begins.

tip

Safety First: The EA will monitor markets and display signals, but won't open any trades until you activate it.

To Start Trading:​

  1. Locate the TC button on your dashboard (top-left by default)
  2. Click once: PAUSED → AUTO (trading enabled) ✅
  3. EA is now active and will detect signals and open trades

TC Button Three-State System:​

Understanding the Button States:

  • 🔴 PAUSED (Red button): EA monitoring only, no trades opened
  • 🟢 AUTO (Green button): Full automated trading enabled
  • 🔵 MANAGE (Blue button): Managing existing trades only, no new entries

Button Cycling: Click repeatedly to cycle through states:

PAUSED → AUTO → MANAGE → PAUSED → AUTO → ...
info

Strategy Tester Note: When running backtests, the EA automatically detects Strategy Tester mode and bypasses PAUSED mode. Your backtests will run normally without manual activation.

Learn more about three-state control →

✅ You're Ready to Trade!​

BananaEA is now fully installed and configured. Click the TC button to activate trading!

🔁 Important Notes on Optimization Files​

  • ✅ Check weekly for updated optimization sets
  • ✅ Optimizations adapt to current market conditions
  • ✅ Symbol-specific options available for different instruments
  • ✅ Always demo-test before going live