🖥️VPS Installation Guide

Installing BananaEA on Virtual Private Server

Running BananaEA on a VPS ensures 24/7 trading without keeping your computer running constantly. This guide covers installation on popular VPS providers with step-by-step instructions.


🎯 Why Use a VPS for Trading?

Benefits of VPS Trading

24/7 Operation - Never miss trading opportunities ✅ Reliable Internet - Enterprise-grade connections ✅ Power Backup - No electricity outages ✅ Low Latency - Faster order execution ✅ Security - Isolated trading environment ✅ Cost Effective - Often cheaper than keeping PC running

VPS Requirements for BananaEA

  • RAM: Minimum 1GB, Recommended 2GB+

  • CPU: 1 vCPU minimum, 2+ preferred

  • Storage: 20GB SSD minimum

  • OS: Windows Server 2016/2019/2022

  • Location: Close to your broker's servers

  • Bandwidth: Unlimited or 1TB+ monthly


🚀 ForexVPS.net Installation

Step 1: Account Setup

  1. Choose Plan:

    • Starter: 1GB RAM, 1 vCPU ($19.95/month)

    • Standard: 2GB RAM, 2 vCPU ($34.95/month) - Recommended

    • Premium: 4GB RAM, 4 vCPU ($59.95/month)

  2. Select Location: Choose closest to your broker

  3. Complete Registration and payment

Step 2: VPS Access

  1. Receive Login Details via email (usually within 15 minutes)

  2. Download Remote Desktop Connection (if not already installed)

  3. Connect to VPS:

    • IP Address: (provided in email)

    • Username: (provided in email)

    • Password: (provided in email)

Step 3: MetaTrader 4 Installation

  1. Download MT4 from your broker's website

  2. Install MT4 on the VPS

  3. Login with your trading account credentials

  4. Verify Connection - ensure you can see live prices

Step 4: BananaEA Installation

  1. Upload Files to VPS using Remote Desktop file transfer:

    • BananaEA-v{{ variables.productionVersion }}.ex4

    • iTradeAIMSLib.ex4

    • Optional: .set files

  2. Copy Files to Correct Folders:

    • EA file → MQL4/Experts/

    • Library file → MQL4/Libraries/

    • Preset files → MQL4/Presets/

  3. Restart MT4 completely

  4. Attach EA to chart and configure settings

Step 5: ForexVPS Optimization

  1. Enable Auto-Restart: In ForexVPS control panel

  2. Set Time Zone: Match your broker's server time

  3. Configure Firewall: Allow MT4 through Windows Firewall

  4. Test Stability: Run for 24 hours in demo mode

ForexVPS Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

  • Specialized for Forex trading

  • Pre-configured for MT4/MT5

  • 24/7 technical support

  • 99.9% uptime guarantee

  • Easy setup process

❌ Cons:

  • Higher cost than general VPS

  • Limited to Windows only

  • Less customization options


🌐 Contabo VPS Installation

Step 1: Account Setup

  1. Choose VPS Plan:

    • VPS S: 4GB RAM, 4 vCPU ($6.99/month) - Best Value

    • VPS M: 8GB RAM, 6 vCPU ($12.99/month)

    • VPS L: 16GB RAM, 8 vCPU ($22.99/month)

  2. Select Windows Server (additional $5.99/month)

  3. Choose Data Center: Europe, US, or Asia-Pacific

  4. Complete Order and payment

Step 2: Server Setup (Initial)

  1. Wait for Setup (can take 4-24 hours)

  2. Receive Login Details via email

  3. Download Microsoft Remote Desktop (recommended client)

  4. Initial Connection:

    • Server: IP address from email

    • Username: Administrator

    • Password: (provided in email)

Step 3: Windows Configuration

  1. Update Windows: Install all critical updates

  2. Configure Time Zone: Set to your broker's server location

  3. Disable Sleep Mode:

    • Power Options → Never sleep

    • Turn off display → Never

  4. Configure Firewall: Create exception for MT4

  5. Install Chrome/Firefox: For downloading MT4

Step 4: MetaTrader 4 Setup

  1. Download MT4 from your broker's website

  2. Install with Admin Rights

  3. Login with live or demo account

  4. Test Connection: Verify live price feeds

  5. Enable AutoTrading: Tools → Options → Expert Advisors

Step 5: BananaEA Deployment

  1. Transfer Files: Use Remote Desktop clipboard or file sharing

  2. Install Files:

    C:\Program Files (x86)\[Broker Name] MetaTrader 4\MQL4\Experts\
    └── BananaEA-v{{ variables.productionVersion }}.ex4
    
    C:\Program Files (x86)\[Broker Name] MetaTrader 4\MQL4\Libraries\
    └── iTradeAIMSLib.ex4
  3. Restart MT4 completely

  4. Attach EA to preferred chart

  5. Configure Settings for your strategy

Step 6: Contabo Optimization

  1. Performance Tuning:

    • Disable unnecessary Windows services

    • Set MT4 to high priority

    • Configure automatic restart scripts

  2. Monitoring Setup:

    • Enable Windows Event Logging

    • Set up email alerts for crashes

    • Configure automatic EA restart

  3. Security Hardening:

    • Change default Administrator password

    • Enable Windows Updates

    • Install antivirus (optional)

Contabo Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

  • Extremely cost-effective

  • High-performance hardware

  • Multiple data center locations

  • Full root access

  • Great value for money

❌ Cons:

  • Requires more technical setup

  • No specialized Forex support

  • Setup time can be longer

  • Need to configure everything manually


💼 Vultr VPS Installation

Step 1: Account Creation

  1. Visit Vultr.com

  2. Create Account and verify email

  3. Add Payment Method (credit card or PayPal)

  4. Receive $100 credit (new account bonus)

Step 2: Server Deployment

  1. Deploy New Server:

    • Server Type: Cloud Compute

    • Location: Choose closest to broker

    • Operating System: Windows 2019/2022

    • Plan:

      • Regular Performance: 2GB RAM, 1 vCPU ($12/month)

      • High Performance: 4GB RAM, 2 vCPU ($24/month) - Recommended

  2. Configure Options:

    • Enable automatic backups ($1/month)

    • Add SSH keys (optional)

    • Set hostname

  3. Deploy Server (takes 2-5 minutes)

Step 3: Initial Access

  1. Get Login Details from Vultr dashboard

  2. Connect via RDP:

    • IP: From dashboard

    • Username: Administrator

    • Password: Auto-generated (shown in dashboard)

  3. Change Password: Set secure password immediately

  4. Install Updates: Check for Windows updates

Step 4: Trading Environment Setup

  1. Configure Windows:

    • Set timezone to broker location

    • Disable sleep and hibernation

    • Configure Windows Firewall

    • Install latest .NET Framework

  2. Install Browser: Download Chrome or Firefox

  3. Download MT4: From your broker's official website

  4. Install MT4:

    • Run as Administrator

    • Accept all default settings

    • Allow through firewall when prompted

Step 5: BananaEA Installation

  1. File Transfer Methods:

    • Remote Desktop Clipboard: Copy/paste files

    • Google Drive: Upload to cloud, download on VPS

    • Email: Send files to yourself, download on VPS

  2. Installation Process:

    1. Copy BananaEA-v{{ variables.productionVersion }}.ex4 to MQL4/Experts/
    2. Copy iTradeAIMSLib.ex4 to MQL4/Libraries/
    3. Restart MT4 completely
    4. Verify EA appears in Navigator
    5. Attach to chart and configure

Step 6: Vultr Optimization

  1. Performance Optimization:

    • Disable Windows visual effects

    • Set MT4 process priority to "High"

    • Configure automatic startup

  2. Monitoring & Alerts:

    • Set up Vultr server monitoring

    • Configure email notifications

    • Enable automatic snapshots

  3. Backup Strategy:

    • Regular Vultr snapshots

    • Export EA settings (.set files)

    • Document configuration settings

Vultr Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

  • Global data center network

  • Fast deployment (under 5 minutes)

  • Competitive pricing

  • Good performance/price ratio

  • Easy-to-use control panel

  • New user bonuses

❌ Cons:

  • Windows license adds cost

  • No specialized trading features

  • Requires technical knowledge

  • Support is ticket-based only


🔧 General VPS Optimization Tips

Performance Optimization

  1. Windows Settings:

    • Disable Windows Search indexing

    • Turn off Windows Defender (if using antivirus)

    • Disable Windows Updates auto-restart

    • Set performance mode in Power Options

    • Disable unnecessary startup programs

  2. MT4 Optimization:

    • Limit chart history to 1000 bars

    • Disable unnecessary indicators

    • Reduce chart refresh rate

    • Enable "Optimize for speed" in EA settings

  3. Network Optimization:

    • Use DNS servers: 8.8.8.8, 1.1.1.1

    • Disable Windows proxy settings

    • Configure QoS for MT4 traffic priority

Security Best Practices

  1. Access Control:

    • Change default passwords immediately

    • Use strong passwords (12+ characters)

    • Enable two-factor authentication where possible

    • Limit remote desktop access by IP

  2. System Security:

    • Keep Windows updated

    • Install reputable antivirus

    • Configure Windows Firewall properly

    • Regular security scans

  3. Trading Security:

    • Use strong MT4 passwords

    • Enable two-factor authentication on broker account

    • Regular backup of EA settings

    • Monitor for unusual trading activity

Monitoring & Maintenance

  1. Daily Checks:

    • EA status and performance

    • VPS resource usage

    • Internet connectivity

    • MT4 connection status

  2. Weekly Maintenance:

    • Windows updates

    • Performance review

    • Backup verification

    • Security scan

  3. Monthly Tasks:

    • Full system backup

    • Performance optimization

    • Cost analysis

    • Provider evaluation


📊 VPS Provider Comparison

Feature
ForexVPS.net
Contabo
Vultr

Monthly Cost

$19.95-$59.95

$12.98-$28.98

$12-$24

Setup Time

15 minutes

4-24 hours

2-5 minutes

Technical Support

24/7 Forex-specific

Business hours

Ticket-based

Pre-configured

Yes

No

No

Best For

Beginners

Budget-conscious

Tech-savvy users

Minimum Commitment

Monthly

Monthly

Hourly billing

Recommendation by User Type

🟢 Beginners: ForexVPS.net

  • Pre-configured for trading

  • Specialized support

  • Easy setup process

🟡 Intermediate: Vultr

  • Good balance of features/price

  • Fast deployment

  • Flexible billing

🟠 Advanced: Contabo

  • Best value for money

  • High performance

  • Full customization


🚨 Troubleshooting Common VPS Issues

Connection Problems

Issue: Cannot connect to VPS

Solutions:

  • Check internet connection

  • Verify IP address and credentials

  • Try different RDP client

  • Contact provider support

Issue: Slow VPS performance

Solutions:

  • Restart VPS

  • Close unnecessary programs

  • Check resource usage

  • Upgrade VPS plan if needed

MT4 Issues

Issue: MT4 won't start

Solutions:

  • Run as Administrator

  • Check Windows updates

  • Reinstall MT4

  • Verify account credentials

Issue: EA not working

Solutions:

  • Check AutoTrading is enabled

  • Verify EA files in correct folders

  • Check EA input parameters

  • Review Experts tab for errors

Performance Issues

Issue: High CPU usage

Solutions:

  • Limit number of charts

  • Reduce indicator usage

  • Close unnecessary programs

  • Consider VPS upgrade

Issue: Network disconnections

Solutions:

  • Check VPS provider status

  • Test with different broker servers

  • Contact broker support

  • Verify firewall settings


✅ VPS Setup Checklist

Pre-Installation

Installation

Optimization

Go-Live


📞 Getting Help

VPS Provider Support

ForexVPS.net: 24/7 Live Chat, Ticket System Contabo: Email Support, Ticket System Vultr: Ticket System, Community Forums

BananaEA Support

  • Discord Community: Real-time help from other users

  • Documentation: Comprehensive guides and FAQs

  • Support Tickets: Direct technical assistance

  • Video Tutorials: Visual setup guides

Emergency Contacts

Keep these handy in case of issues:

  • VPS provider support phone/email

  • Broker technical support

  • BananaEA support channels

  • Backup access methods (mobile apps, etc.)


Next Steps: Once your VPS is set up, continue to Settings Guide for EA configuration or Risk Management for safety guidelines.

Running BananaEA on a VPS ensures maximum uptime and performance for your automated trading strategy! 🚀

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