Backup Export / Import Question

[GrumpyDude]

Hi,

I'm looking to keep a current, complete, and consistent Database of trade activity and any tweaks to the Workspaces or ATM setups as I move between a desktop machine to a Surface Pro for travel.

I'm looking through the post...

https://ninjatrader.com/support/forum/forum/ninjatrader-8/platform-technical-support-aa/1056679-export-all-settings-tp-new-computer

... and have a question regarding the machine where the import is done having a new Machine ID.

I recently imported everything from my Surface Pro to the desktop and the Machine ID changed on the destination (importing) machine. The Surface Pro had recently updated its UEFI firmware and caused a Machine ID change, so I had to go through PW / License and re-auth process with my 3rd party indicator. I then had to do it again on the Desktop with the import which was a surprise.

So, looking at...

https://ninjatrader.com/support/helpGuides/nt8/NT%20HelpGuide%20English.html?backup__restore.htm

... it says that the Configuration Files contain user specific information such as account settings and license keys. I don't think I need this as my two instances run fine as it relates to NT8 and my 3rd party stuff. Obviously only one or the other is run at any given time.

If I only did the Database, Templates, and Workspaces, would the Machine ID change if I moved these only items back and forth? I think this would maintain consistency in my database and I would have my latest tweaks to workspaces or ATM settings with me on the "machine of the moment".

Thanks

[NinjaTrader_Manfred]

Hello GrumpyDude,

Thank you very much for your post.

Backing up or restoring data would never affect your Machine ID directly. The Machine ID is an ID that is based on the system NinjaTrader is running on and is used as both, a way to authenticate you for e.g. third-party scripts, and to ensure that your data is not compromised.

One way you see this occur is if you restore a backup containing the connection information and license key. If this is restored to the same PC, this information would be retained. If it is restored to any other PC, however, this information is wiped to ensure your data is not compromised, e.g. if a third party gains access to your backup file and restores it on their PC.

If your third-party provider has the option to list two Machine IDs, you could submit both, your PC's and tablet's Machine ID to them. If only one ID can be authorized at any time, then switching between both platforms would likely cause this issue to recur.

In short; There is no way to force a Machine ID onto a PC, the Machine ID would always be calculated based on the hard- and software itself, akin to a fingerprint.

Should you have any further questions in this regard, please don't hesitate to let me know!

[GrumpyDude]

Hi Manfred,

I'm not sure you understood my question. This is specifically in regards to backing up from one PC and restoring to another.

So as you state, restoring a backup that contains connection information and license key, you will get a new Machine ID.

What I want to do here is to maintain consistency in my trading history database AND have my latest tweaks to workspaces or ATM settings with as I move back and forth between two machines (PC & Laptop). Everything is fine on both as far as NT & 3rd Party licensing goes and I don't want to screw that up with these moves.

My question is if I were to *only* backup (from PC) & restore (to Laptop) {and vice versa} and I *only* did the Database, Templates, and Workspaces, should this avoid a Machine ID change?

I believe moving *only* these things back and forth should accomplish both goals of keeping a current trade history DB, current working ATM's, and workspaces AND not causing a Machine ID change.

It looks to me that doing Configuration Files *would* cause a Machine ID change in moving machines, but that makes sense.

Thanks

[NinjaTrader_Melissa]

Hello,

Thanks for the reply.

You are correct that moving only the database, template and workspaces would not trigger a machine ID change. A machine ID will only affect your connections, license key, and third party add-on licensing. It would not affect the database, templates or workspaces.

Please let us know if you have any further questions.