Check AFT8 Prerequisites First
Before troubleshooting AFT8 automated trading, ensure the required system prerequisites are configured correctly. Many issues occur when these basic settings are not aligned with the system requirements.
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Numeric Contract Symbology
Futures contract symbols in NinjaTrader must use the numeric format (example: NQ 06-25). -
Windows Regional Format
Your operating system language and regional format should be set to English (United States). -
Time Zone
Your PC time zone should ideally be set to Central Time (CT) or Eastern Time (ET) so trading sessions align correctly with system timing.
If any of these settings are incorrect, AFT8 automated trading signals, controllers, or order execution may not function correctly.
AFT8 Automated Trading FAQ – Common Issues
These are the typical reasons:
- System installation or errors need to be addressed:
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AFT8 checklist has to be read or followed.
- AFT8 Pre-Requisites are not correct.
- There are system errors? How to find errors in AFT8.
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AFT8 checklist has to be read or followed.
- Zero to Hero: Get started with Zero to Hero and work through stages 2 and above for algo entry.
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AFT Workspaces:
- Workspace 1 is still in use, trade manager only.
- Wrong workspaces open - aft-workspaces and the Algo entry module is not visible. You need stage-2 or above.
- Workspaces stage 2 open and have not enabled automated trading on the algo controller.
- Using stage 2 or above and are unable to use the algo entry on automated after changing the account.
- NinjaTrader 8 wrong account is being used or duplicate or old connection account issue. Need to reset the NinjaTrader database.
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Licenses AFT Desktop
- Licenses required for Automated Trading
- AFT Premium
- AFT Ultimate
- ATS Premium
- ATS Ultimate
- Licenses are not synced to AFT8.
- AFT Desktop is not installed or logged in and synced.
- Need to restart NinjaTrader 8 and AFT Desktop to speed up a new license sync.
- Licenses required for Automated Trading
- Automated Trading is not enabled
- Algo Controllers
Please note: This is a catch-all article for guessing what is meant by 'Bot not working,' which is a common question that is a time-consuming situation for traders and the help desk as it is too vague to answer accurately. If you are experiencing an issue with Algo Entry, it is better to define the problem with plain text simple details to the ATS Help Bot: https://algotradingsystems.net/Help