# Self-Help Resources

Use these checks before opening a support request. They are intended to identify common setup and configuration issues.

***

## Installation Checklist[​](#installation-checklist "Direct link to Installation Checklist")

Check:

* MT4 was restarted after installation.
* BananaEA is in the correct `MQL4/Experts` folder.
* The EA appears in Navigator under Expert Advisors.
* The correct MT4 data folder was used.
* The file came from an official access or support source.

***

## Chart Attachment Checklist[​](#chart-attachment-checklist "Direct link to Chart Attachment Checklist")

Check:

* AutoTrading is in the intended state.
* `Tools > Options > Expert Advisors > Allow automated trading` is enabled if automated trading is required.
* The EA is attached to the intended symbol and timeframe.
* The Inputs tab contains the expected settings.
* The Experts and Journal tabs do not show initialization errors.

***

## No Trading Activity Checklist[​](#no-trading-activity-checklist "Direct link to No Trading Activity Checklist")

Check:

* trading hours allow activity at the current broker server time
* spread is not above the configured limit
* at least one buy and one sell setup type is enabled where required
* market is open
* account has enough free margin
* maximum open trade settings are not already reached
* the EA is not paused or in a management-only mode

No trading activity is not always an error. The EA may be waiting for permitted conditions.

***

## Result Review Checklist[​](#result-review-checklist "Direct link to Result Review Checklist")

If results are different from what you expected, check:

* EA version
* broker symbol
* timeframe
* spread and commission assumptions
* risk settings
* stop loss and take profit behavior
* number of trades in the sample
* market conditions during the test
* whether any order errors appear in logs

Do not judge the EA from one trade or one short period.

***

## Error Code Quick Reference[​](#error-code-quick-reference "Direct link to Error Code Quick Reference")

| Error Code | Meaning              | First Check                             |
| ---------- | -------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| 130        | Invalid stops        | SL/TP distance and broker stop level    |
| 131        | Invalid trade volume | Lot size, minimum lot, lot step         |
| 134        | Not enough money     | Free margin and lot size                |
| 136        | Off quotes           | Broker connection and market conditions |
| 138        | Requote              | Execution conditions and retry behavior |

***

## File Locations[​](#file-locations "Direct link to File Locations")

MT4 data folder:

```
File > Open Data Folder
```

Expert Advisors folder:

```
MQL4/Experts/
```

Logs:

```
MQL4/Logs/
```

Tester files:

```
Tester/
```

***

## When To Ask For Help[​](#when-to-ask-for-help "Direct link to When To Ask For Help")

Ask for help after you have:

* checked installation location
* reviewed the Experts and Journal tabs
* confirmed symbol and timeframe
* reviewed the relevant settings page
* captured screenshots of the issue

Include the details listed in [Quick Support Options](/banana-ea/mt4/docs/v4/support/quick-support-options.md).

***

## Related Pages[​](#related-pages "Direct link to Related Pages")

* [Troubleshooting](/banana-ea/mt4/docs/v4/troubleshooting.md)
* [Quick Support Options](/banana-ea/mt4/docs/v4/support/quick-support-options.md)
* [Discord Community Guide](/banana-ea/mt4/docs/v4/support/discord-guide.md)
* [Bug Reporting](/banana-ea/mt4/docs/v4/support/bug-reporting.md)