# Quick Start with BananaEA

info

This quick start is for BananaEA Version 4. The latest stable Version 4 release is `v4.5.1`. Do not use Version 5 `.set` files with Version 4.

This is the fastest single-path setup. Install the EA, attach it to a chart, load one preset, enable Auto Trading, and you're done.

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## One Path, Four Steps[​](#one-path-four-steps "Direct link to One Path, Four Steps")

1. Install BananaEA in MT4

   * Download the latest BananaEA.zip from [Customer Portal](https://my.itradeaims.net/latest-downloads/)
   * Extract the zip and copy the MQL4 folder to your MT4 Terminal directory
   * Click "Yes to All" when prompted to merge files
   * Restart MT4
   * Fresh MT4 install? If the dashboard looks clipped, tiny, or buttons do not line up, apply the [MT4 High DPI compatibility fix](/banana-ea/mt4/docs/v4/troubleshooting.md#mt4-dashboard-or-buttons-look-wrong).
   * See: [Installation Guide](/banana-ea/mt4/docs/v4/installation.md) for detailed steps

2. Attach BananaEA to a chart

   * Open the Navigator (Ctrl+N) → Experts → drag BananaEA onto your chart.
   * In the dialog, allow "Allow live trading" as appropriate.
   * ✨ **NEW (v4.4.4):** EA starts in PAUSED mode for safety - YOU control when trading begins!

3. Load a preset file (.set)

   * Right-click your chart → Expert Advisors → Properties → Inputs → Load.
   * Choose a preset from your `MQL4/Presets/` folder.
   * Don't have one yet? Get one here: [iTradeAims Optimization Sets](https://my.itradeaims.net/latest-optimization-sets/)

4. Enable Auto Trading & Activate EA

   * Turn on the Auto Trading button (it should be green).
   * ✅ **Click the TC button** to activate - EA starts in PAUSED mode (v4.4.4 safety feature)
   * TC button cycles: PAUSED → AUTO → MANAGE → PAUSED (v4.4.1 three-state control)
   * The BananaEA panel will appear and start operating with your loaded preset.

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## First-Time MT4 Display Fix[​](#first-time-mt4-display-fix "Direct link to First-Time MT4 Display Fix")

On some fresh MT4 installations, Windows starts MT4 with default display scaling. If the BananaEA object-based dashboard is misaligned, clipped, too small, or hard to click, close MT4 and set `terminal.exe` to use **High DPI scaling override -> System**.

Use the full step-by-step guide here: [MT4 High DPI compatibility fix](/banana-ea/mt4/docs/v4/troubleshooting.md#mt4-dashboard-or-buttons-look-wrong).

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## What to Expect[​](#what-to-expect "Direct link to What to Expect")

* Automated mode (Magic Number not 0): EA scans for valid patterns, places orders per preset logic, sets SL/TP, and manages exits.
* Trade Management Mode (Magic Number 0): EA manages your existing manual trades, applies SL/TP, and updates within about 1-2 seconds.

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## Quick Tips[​](#quick-tips "Direct link to Quick Tips")

* Start on a demo account for about a week.
* Use the Balanced preset first; change one setting at a time.
* Keep per-trade risk ≤ 2% and begin with small sizes.
* Consider a VPS if you want 24/5 operation.

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## Next Steps[​](#next-steps "Direct link to Next Steps")

Go deeper here: [Installation Guide](/banana-ea/mt4/docs/v4/installation.md) → [Strategy Presets](/banana-ea/mt4/docs/v4/strategy-presets-guide.md) → [Risk Management](/banana-ea/mt4/docs/v4/risk-management.md)

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## Questions? Community Help[​](#questions-community-help "Direct link to Questions? Community Help")

Use Discord for setup questions, troubleshooting, and user discussion:

[![Join Discord](https://img.shields.io/badge/Discord-Community-5865F2?style=for-the-badge\&logo=discord\&logoColor=white)](https://discord.gg/DxXQ4HdnES)

Setup help • Troubleshooting • User discussion • Documentation updates