Can a phrase count diagnose my EA?
No. The same phrase can have different causes. A count identifies log lines to inspect alongside the request, return code, symbol settings and original source.
Services and resourcesReview the service
Free MT5 log triage guide
MT5 EA Journal Error Checklist
Read one failed MT5 EA event across Experts and Journal, identify the broker or terminal constraint, and define the next safe check before changing code.
The checklist
- 1
Fix the exact time window
Record the local and broker-server time around one failed action. Keep the surrounding Experts and Journal lines together.
- 2
Preserve both original logs
Use File → Open Data Folder. The EA-side Experts log is under MQL5/Logs; the platform Journal is under Logs. Copy, do not edit, the originals.
- 3
Keep private data private
Remove account IDs, IP addresses, credentials and order details before sharing excerpts. Never publish a complete raw terminal log.
- 4
Separate signal from execution
Record whether the EA reached its entry rule, built an order request, received a trade return code, or never attempted an order.
- 5
Check invalid stops
Compare the requested SL/TP to current bid/ask, tick size, stops level and freeze level. Recheck with OrderCheck before a retry.
- 6
Check money and volume
For insufficient funds, compare free margin and OrderCalcMargin. For invalid volume, check symbol minimum, maximum and step.
- 7
Check time and permissions
For market closed or AutoTrading disabled, verify server time, symbol session, terminal Algo Trading and EA permissions.
- 8
Avoid blind retries
For busy context or off quotes, verify outstanding requests and live prices. A repeated send can create an unintended duplicate.
- 9
Define one acceptance case
State the original failure, expected behavior and exact no-trade or successful-check result on the same broker environment.
Common questions
Does zero matches mean my EA works?
No. It only means no configured phrase appeared in the copied portion of the logs. Missing logs and silent code paths require separate checks.
Do I need to share account access?
No. One redacted incident, authorized editable source, inputs and relevant environment facts are enough to scope a bounded repair.
Free diagnostic resource
Get the free MT5 EA Journal Doctor
Open-source MQL5 script, setup steps, limits and a screenshot from a real HolaPrime MT5 run.
Open the free toolReady for a feasibility check?