====== Using  MetaTrader Data======

In this lesson I will demonstrate how you can use MetaTrader data to conduct the historical test. 

I assume you have an account (real or demo) with a MetaTrader broker.

I will load EURUSD data, but the principle is the same with the other pairs. I will limit the used data up to the year 2000. 

===== Data folder =====

I need to choose a folder to store the data. I can use the default file:

  C:\Program Files\Forex Strategy Builder\Data

or, I can create a new folder.

I am going to create a new folder //MT Data// on disk D:

  D:\MT Data

===== Export from MetaTrader =====

  * I am going to load EURUSD data with one day period. To load older data too, I press the **Page Dn** key several times. I keep pressing the key until I see that data earlier than the year 2000 has been loaded: 

{{ :fsb:mtdata0.png?nolink |MetaTrader Chart Screen}}

  * From the **File** menu I choose **Save - As** and indicate that saving the data should be done in //D:\MT Data//:

{{ :fsb:mtdata1.png?nolink |MetaTrader Save As}}

The file's name will be **EURUSD1440.csv**. MetaTrader and Forex Strategy Builder use the same data file name convention, so I do not need to rename the files. 

  * I do the same for the other periods, too. To make things easier, I use the fast access key **Ctrl + S**.

Now I have all the necessary data:

{{ :fsb:mtdata2.png?nolink |Destination Folder}}

I finish working with MetaTrader.

===== Importing in FSB =====

  * By default, **Forex Strategy Builder** loads data from the //.\Data// file. To redirect the program, I use the **Data Directory** dialog box. There I can set the path leading to the file with the historical data. I start it from the **Market - Data Directory** menu. I press the **Browse** button and select the //D:\MT Data// file. 

{{ :fsb:mtdata3.png?nolink |Forex Strategy Builder - Data Directory}}

After pressing **Accept**, Forex Strategy Builder loads the data from the new location.

  * To limit the used data up to the year 2000, I can use the **Data Horizon** function. I can start it from the **Market - Data Horizon** menu:

{{ :fsb:mtdata4.png?nolink |Forex Strategy Builder - Data Horizon}}

The data I need is now loaded:

{{ :fsb:mtdata5.png?nolink |Forex Strategy Builder - Market Statistics}}

===== Data Check =====

  * Forex Strategy Builder checks if the data is complete provided that the **Check the data** function is active. To perform a complete check of all periods, I use the **Scanner** tool:

{{ :fsb:mtdata6.png?nolink |Forex Strategy Builder - Intrabar Scanner}}

If the scanner does not reveal any errors in loading the data, then everything is alright.