Step 1c: NinjaTrader and OneDrive

OneDrive is not supported by NinjaTrader and can cause many issues. If you open NinjaTrader and the QuantVue tools are not present, it is likely a directory issue cause by OneDrive. NinjaTrader's official stance on this matter is to unlink and remove OneDrive, then performing a clean installation of NinjaTrader. Step by step instructions are as follows.

NinjaTrader 8: OneDrive Removal and Complete Reinstallation Guide

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

This guide involves modifying system files, uninstalling software, and changing backup configurations. While these instructions are based on official NinjaTrader support guidance, QuantVue and its representatives are not responsible for any data loss, system issues, or unintended consequences that may result from following these instructions.

Before proceeding:

  • Ensure you have a complete backup of all important files and data

  • Verify you have administrative access to your computer

  • If you are uncomfortable performing these steps, consult with a qualified IT professional

  • QuantVue is not affiliated with Microsoft and cannot provide technical support for Windows or PC-related issues

  • These instructions are provided "as-is" without warranty of any kind

By following this guide, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk.


Part 1: Unlinking OneDrive and Preserving Your Data

Step 1: Stop OneDrive Backup

  1. Close NinjaTrader completely - Ensure the application is not running

  2. Locate the OneDrive icon (cloud symbol) in your Windows system tray (bottom-right corner near the clock)

  3. Right-click the OneDrive icon and select Settings

  4. Navigate to the Backup tab

  5. Under the Documents folder section, click Stop backup

Step 2: Rename Your Existing NinjaTrader Folder

  1. Open your Documents folder

  2. Locate and click the "Where are my files" icon

  3. Right-click this icon and select Open in new window

  4. In the OneDrive window that opens, locate the NinjaTrader 8 folder

  5. Right-click the NinjaTrader 8 folder and select Rename

  6. Rename it to "NinjaTrader 8 OLD"

  7. DO NOT DELETE THIS FOLDER - It contains your settings and custom files

  8. Leave this folder in the OneDrive location for now


Part 2: Complete Uninstallation of NinjaTrader 8

Step 1: Uninstall NinjaTrader from Windows

  1. Click the Windows Start button

  2. Type "Control Panel" in the search field

  3. Open Control Panel

  4. Select Programs > Programs and Features

  5. Scroll down and locate NinjaTrader 8 in the list

  6. Right-click NinjaTrader 8 and select Uninstall

  7. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation

Step 2: Delete Program Files

  1. Open File Explorer

  2. Navigate to C:\Program Files

  3. If you see a NinjaTrader 8 folder, delete it

    • If the folder doesn't exist, proceed to the next step

Step 3: Reboot Your Computer

  1. Restart your PC to ensure all processes are terminated

  2. Wait for the computer to fully restart before proceeding


Part 3: Fresh Installation of NinjaTrader 8

Step 1: Download NinjaTrader

  1. Open your web browser

  2. Go to https://account.ninjatrader.com

  3. Log in with your NinjaTrader credentials

  4. Click the Download button in the bottom-left corner of the sidebar

  5. On the Desktop Application Download page, click the Download button again

  6. Wait for the installation file to download

Step 2: Install NinjaTrader

  1. Close all running applications before starting installation

  2. Locate the downloaded installation file (usually in your Downloads folder)

  3. Double-click the installation file to run it

  4. Follow the installation prompts

  5. Accept the license agreement and complete the installation

  6. The installer will automatically create a new NinjaTrader 8 folder in your local Documents folder (C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\NinjaTrader 8)

Step 3: First Launch

  1. Launch NinjaTrader 8 from your desktop or Start menu

  2. Log in with your credentials

  3. Connect to your data feed

  4. Open a chart to verify everything is loading properly


Part 4: Restoring Your Custom Settings (Optional)

If the fresh installation is working correctly and you want to restore your previous workspaces, templates, and custom scripts:

Step 1: Locate Both Folders

  1. Close NinjaTrader completely

  2. Open File Explorer and navigate to your local Documents folder (C:\Users[YourUsername]\Documents)

  3. Open the NinjaTrader 8 folder (the new installation)

  4. Open a second File Explorer window (right-click Documents folder and select Open in new window)

  5. In the second window, navigate to your OneDrive Documents location

  6. Open the NinjaTrader 8 OLD folder

Tip: Position the two windows side-by-side to make copying easier.

Step 2: Copy Old Custom Files

  1. From the NinjaTrader 8 OLD folder (in OneDrive location), copy the following folders:

    • workspaces

    • templates

    • bin

  2. Paste these folders into the new NinjaTrader 8 folder (in local Documents)

  3. When prompted, choose "Replace the files in the destination" to overwrite the default folders

Step 3: Test

  1. Launch NinjaTrader

  2. Verify your custom workspaces, templates, and indicators are present

  3. Test functionality to ensure everything works properly

Important Note: If problems return after restoring your old files, the issue may be caused by corrupt workspaces or custom scripts. In that case, use the fresh installation without importing old files, or selectively import only specific items you need.


Troubleshooting Tips

If NinjaTrader Won't Open:

  • Restart your PC to end any active processes using NinjaTrader files

  • Ensure OneDrive backup is completely stopped for the Documents folder

Firewall/Antivirus Issues:

  • Add NinjaTrader as an exception in Windows Firewall

  • Add NinjaTrader as an exception in your antivirus software

  • Disable Controlled Folder Access:

    • Press the Windows Key

    • Search for "Controlled Folder Access"

    • Turn it off if enabled

Windows Updates:

Before using NinjaTrader, ensure all Windows updates are installed:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security

  2. Click Check for updates

  3. Install all available updates

  4. Reboot if required


Summary Checklist


Understanding the File Locations

After completing this process, you will have:

  • C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\NinjaTrader 8 - Your new, clean installation (active)

  • OneDrive\Documents\NinjaTrader 8 OLD - Your backup with old settings (inactive, for reference only)

The new installation will use the local Documents folder and will NOT be backed up by OneDrive, preventing future file access conflicts.


Support Resources

  • NinjaTrader Account Dashboard: https://account.ninjatrader.com

  • Microsoft Controlled Folder Access Info: https://support.microsoft.com/windows-security

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