If you already have MT4 configured on your computer, you can copy the entire installation directly to your ForexVPS instead of reinstalling and reconfiguring it from scratch. This guide walks you through copying the MT4 folder and creating a desktop shortcut on your ForexVPS.
Before you start: Keep your ForexVPS window un-maximized during the copy-paste process — maximizing it mid-transfer will cancel the operation.
What you’ll need
- MT4 already installed and configured on your computer
- Access to your ForexVPS from that same computer
Part 1: Copy the MT4 folder from your PC
Step 1: Find your MT4 installation folder
On your computer, go to the MT4 path. This is generally under C:\Program Files (x86)\, then your broker’s MetaTrader folder.
Step 2: Copy the MT4 folder
Right-click on that folder and select Copy.
Part 2: Paste the folder into your ForexVPS
Step 3: Navigate to the same path on your ForexVPS
Open your ForexVPS and navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\.
Step 4: Paste the folder
Right-click on the folder and select Paste.
Tip: Make sure your ForexVPS window is not maximized during the process, or the paste operation will be canceled.
Part 3: Create a desktop shortcut
Step 5: Create a shortcut to terminal.exe
After the folder finishes copying, open it. Find the terminal.exe file, right-click on it, and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). This creates a shortcut on the desktop automatically — you can rename it and change its icon if you’d like.
Your MT4 installation, including saved settings and templates, is now available on your ForexVPS with a working desktop shortcut.
Troubleshooting MT4 folder transfers
Running into issues copying MT4 to your ForexVPS? Here are fixes for the most common problems.
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Paste operation cancels midway | ForexVPS window was maximized during transfer | Keep the ForexVPS Remote Desktop window un-maximized until the paste completes, then retry. |
| MT4 won’t open after copying | Folder copied incompletely | Delete the partial folder on your ForexVPS and repeat the copy-paste process without maximizing the window. |
| Shortcut doesn’t launch MT4 | Shortcut created from the wrong file | Confirm the shortcut points to terminal.exe inside the copied MT4 folder. |
Frequently asked questions about copying MT4 to your VPS
Still have questions about moving MT4 to your ForexVPS? Find quick answers below.
Does copying the MT4 folder preserve my saved settings and templates?
Yes. Copying the entire MT4 folder transfers your configuration, templates, and saved chart layouts along with the platform itself.
Why can’t I maximize the ForexVPS window during the copy-paste process?
Maximizing the Remote Desktop window during a large file transfer can interrupt and cancel the operation. Keep it windowed until the paste completes.
Which file do I create a shortcut for?
Create the shortcut for terminal.exe — this is the executable that launches MT4.
Can I use this same method for MT5?
Yes, the same copy-paste approach works for MT5 — locate its installation folder and repeat the same steps.
Related articles
- How to install multiple MetaTrader on your VPS
- How to transfer files using RDP (Remote Desktop)
- MetaTrader optimization guide for ForexVPS
