"NinjaTrader should not be used with OneDrive as you will see file access violations and other issues when OneDrive tries to sync files to the cloud" - NinjaTrader.
Overview of the Problem
NinjaTrader is incompatible with cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive, and similar continuous backup solutions. Using these services can lead to significant issues with your trading platform's performance, data integrity, and overall functionality.
Potential Risks of Using OneDrive with NinjaTrader
1. File Access and Synchronization Issues
- File Locking Conflicts: OneDrive can create duplicate files and "conflicted copy" errors when attempting to sync files actively used by NinjaTrader.
- Sync Interference: The platform may experience file access violations and invalid path errors during critical operations like add-on installation or updates.
2. Data Integrity Risks
- Potential Data Corruption: Continuous syncing of open database files increases the risk of file corruption.
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Consequences of Corruption:
- Platform crashes
- Missing data
- Difficulties reopening NinjaTrader
- Loss of trade records
- Disrupted trading configurations
3. Performance Challenges
- Resource Consumption: OneDrive syncing consumes system resources
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Performance Impact:
- Slowed NinjaTrader performance
- Sluggish platform responses
- Potential interference with real-time data feeds
- Bandwidth consumption
- Delays in charting and order execution
Why Does This Happen?
NinjaTrader requires storing user files in the My Documents folder, typically in a "NinjaTrader 8" subdirectory. When NinjaTrader attempts to access a file being backed up or accessed by OneDrive, conflicts arise that can prevent proper file management.
Symptoms of OneDrive-Related Issues
- Intermittent platform problems
- Unexplained errors
- Messages indicating file corruption
- Charts failing to open
- Add-on installation complications
Comprehensive Solution: Removing OneDrive Interference
To resolve this you will need to unlink the Documents folder on your PC from OneDrive so it moves back your PC's main hard drive.
To unlink the Documents folder from OneDrive:
- Completely close NinjaTrader
- Hover your mouse over the OneDrive icon (the cloud) in the App Tray
- Right click and select Settings
- Locate the 'Backup' tab
- Under the 'Documents' Folder, select 'Stop backup'
After stopping the backup, you will need to copy the NinjaTrader 8 folder from the original OneDrive Documents location onto the local PC.
- Go to your Documents folder
- Locate the 'Where are my files' icon
- Right click and select 'Open in new window'
- Locate the NinjaTrader 8 folder from within the OneDrive location
- Copy and paste the entire NinjaTrader 8 folder into the documents folder on your local hard drive
It is best to have one window open with the OneDrive documents location and one window open with the local PC documents location to achieve this.
Once you have moved all of the NinjaTrader 8 files over, you will need to do a 'soft reinstall of NinjaTrader Desktop.
- In the search field on your Windows taskbar, type Control Panel and select this app
- Select Programs > Programs and Features
- Locate NinjaTrader in the list, right click, and select uninstall
Once these steps are completed, download and install NinjaTrader Desktop by logging in to your user dashboard with the following link:
https://account.ninjatrader.com
After you log in, please click the Download button in the bottom left corner and click the Download button on the Desktop Application Download page.
After the NinjaTrader platform re-downloaded please follow the steps below to rename your 'tmp' folder:
- Shut down NinjaTrader
- Open Windows File Explorer
- Go to Documents/NinjaTrader8
- Delete the 'tmp' folder
- Repair the installation of NinjaTrader
- Open NinjaTrader
I have provided steps on how to repair the installation of NinjaTrader below:
- Go to your computer's Control Panel > Programs & Features (Note: search for 'Control Panel' to find it within the Windows Start Menu. This will be a different window than the Settings page)
- Left-click once on NinjaTrader > select 'Repair' above the list of available programs
- Restart the platform after it finishes repairing, and test for this behavior again.
Alternative Backup Strategies
Recommended Approaches
-
Scheduled Backups
- Back up NinjaTrader files only when the application is closed
- Manually copy configuration and workspace files
- Use dedicated backup software
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Local Storage Solutions
- External hard drives
- Network-attached storage (NAS)
- Local backup tools that don't interfere with active applications
Important Considerations
- OneDrive often comes pre-installed on new Windows computers
- Default settings may automatically sync Documents folder
- Disabling sync requires careful file management
Potential Risks of Improper Handling
- Empty Documents folder
- Lost file access
- Potential trading data loss
- Impossible to install and update add-ons
Professional Support
If you encounter difficulties, contact NinjaTrader support at support [at] ninjatrader [dot] com.
Final Recommendation
Prioritize data integrity and trading platform performance by keeping NinjaTrader files on local storage and using non-intrusive backup methods.
Additional Resources
- OneDrive folder remapping: https://winaero.com/blog/how-to-disa...save-location/
- OneDrive sync management: https://www.windowscentral.com/windo...e-folders-sync
Disclaimer: Always backup your trading data and configurations before making significant changes to your system setup.
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