Lose all connections, proprietary indicators after Windows update-Please assist ASAP

[JW618]

Why do I lose all NT functionality after a simple Windows update? How can this be corrected and avoided in the future?

[JW618]

Additional errors when connecting to esignal

[NinjaTrader_Zachary]

Hello JW618,

Thank you for your inquiry.

The update caused your Machine ID to change. If your machine ID has changed, NinjaTrader 8 will automatically remove your license key, username and password, and other sensitive information. This is a purposeful security feature. This feature prevents others from being able to access your personal information simply by stealing your files and loading them onto another PC.

NinjaTrader does not control your machine ID directly. Your machine ID is generated by NinjaTrader based on your PC's fundamental hardware (like RAM, motherboard, etc.) and fundamental software (BIOS/UEFI version, Windows updates, firmware updates, etc.). If any of these items change, your machine ID is likely to change as well. There is no way to manually change your machine ID.

To be able to connect and access your live account after the machine ID changes, you will need to do the following;

1. Re-enter your live license key
2. Re-enter your username and password into your account connection
3. (If you have any third party add-ons that require a license) Contact the vendor of any licensed third party add-ons to update the machine ID
4. Take the platform out of Global Simulation Mode

1. Please copy and paste your license key that I have provided below into your platform at Help > License Key. If you do not know your license key, please contact platformsales(at)ninjatrader(dot)com.

2. Additionally, once you have added your License key, you will need to add your username and password back into your account connection. To do this, go to the Control Center > Connections > Configure > Select your connection > Enter the username and password > OK. If you do not have this information, please contact your broker and/or data provider directly for this information.

3. If your machine ID has changed and it is affecting your third party add-on licensing, you will need to reach out to the add-on vendors directly with your new machine ID. Please note that this is not required from all users, and if you do not have a third party add-ons or use free third party add-ons, you can completely disregard this step.

4. Lastly, you will want to disable Global Simulation Mode with the steps below;

• Navigate to the Control Center > Tools menu.
• Left-click on the ‘Global Simulation Mode’ option (if there is a checkmark next to it, it is enabled and will need to be disabled)

Please let us know if we may assist you any further in the future.

[JW618]

I've taken the recommended steps. I just don't understand why a Windows update would cause NT to change the machine ID.

[NinjaTrader_Zachary]

Hello JW618,

Thank you for your reply.

It can happen with Windows updates when certain software components are updated, such as BIOS, firmware, or other elements of the OS. It really just depends on what changes the update is making.