# Install & Upgrade — Banana EA MT4 v6.0

This guide walks you through installing **Banana EA Version 6.0** on MetaTrader 4, upgrading from prior releases (v5 or v4), and understanding the version lifecycle.

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## System Requirements[​](#system-requirements "Direct link to System Requirements")

* **Platform**: MetaTrader 4 (Build 1380+ recommended).
* **License**: Active iTradeAIMS EA Serial Number (DLMS license).
* **Libraries**: `iTradeAIMSLib.dll` installed in the MT4 `MQL4/Libraries/` folder.
* **WebRequests**: License server URL added to MT4 allowed WebRequest URLs (`Tools -> Options -> Expert Advisors`).

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## Clean Installation[​](#clean-installation "Direct link to Clean Installation")

1. **Download Installer**: Download the official `iTradeAIMS-BananaEA-MT4-v6.0-Setup.exe` installer from your iTradeAIMS member dashboard.

2. **Run Setup**: Launch the installer and select your MetaTrader 4 terminal installation path.

3. **Verify Files**:

   

   * EA file: `MQL4/Experts/BananaEA-Auto.ex4`
   * Library: `MQL4/Libraries/iTradeAIMSLib.dll`
   * Presets: `MQL4/Presets/BananaEA/`

4. **Configure MT4 Terminal**:

   

   * Open MT4 and go to `Tools -> Options -> Expert Advisors`.
   * Check **Allow automated trading**.
   * Check **Allow DLL imports**.
   * Check **Allow WebRequest for listed URL** and add the official iTradeAIMS license server URL (provided in your welcome email).

5. **Attach to Chart**:

   

   * Open a chart (e.g. EURUSD, GBPUSD, or GER40/DAX depending on your preset).
   * Drag `BananaEA-Auto` from the Navigator panel onto the chart.
   * Enter your license serial key in the EA input parameters.
   * Load the appropriate v6.0 preset file.

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## Upgrading From Version 5 or Version 4 (Retired Aug 31, 2026)[​](#upgrading-from-version-5-or-version-4-retired-aug-31-2026 "Direct link to Upgrading From Version 5 or Version 4 (Retired Aug 31, 2026)")

Mandatory Upgrade — Legacy Versions Retired

**Version 4 (`v4.5.1`) and Version 5 (FTMO Algo) were officially retired on August 31, 2026.**<br />All MT4 traders using older versions must upgrade to **Banana EA v6.0** (the sole supported MT4 release line). Presets (`.set` files) from Version 4 or Version 5 are **not interchangeable** with Version 6.0. Version 6.0 introduces new risk parameters (`MaxConsecutiveLosses`, `ConsecLossCooldownMinutes`, `LogVerbosity`). Always load official Version 6.0 preset files.

### Upgrade Steps[​](#upgrade-steps "Direct link to Upgrade Steps")



1. Remove any running instances of Banana EA v4 or v5 from your MT4 charts.
2. Run the Version 6.0 installer to update `BananaEA-Auto.ex4` and library files.
3. Attach `BananaEA-Auto` v6.0 to your chart.
4. Load the updated Version 6.0 preset file from `MQL4/Presets/BananaEA/`.
5. Confirm that the Smart Risk Monitor dashboard displays **v6.0** and reports active protection rules.

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## End-of-Life (EOL) & Lifecycle Rules[​](#end-of-life-eol--lifecycle-rules "Direct link to End-of-Life (EOL) & Lifecycle Rules")

Version 6.0 is the final production build of Banana EA for MetaTrader 4.

End-of-Life Date: December 31, 2026

`BananaEA-Auto` MT4 v6.0 will stop operating after **2026.12.31 23:59:59**.

* **Initialization Check**: The EA evaluates the current date on startup. If the date is past `2026.12.31 23:59:59`, initialization fails with an explicit log message and alert.
* **Dual-Clock Gate**: Expiration requires **both** the computer local clock and the broker server clock to pass the threshold. This prevents premature lockouts caused by isolated local clock drift.
* **Rollover Unload**: If the date rolls past the threshold while the EA is running, it will automatically remove itself from the chart.
* **Pre-Expiry Warnings**: Beginning 30 days prior to expiration (December 1, 2026), the EA displays reminder alerts on attach and hourly status checks.

For long-term automated trading beyond 2026, users are encouraged to migrate to **Banana EA MT5**, our forward-looking MetaTrader 5 trading engine.