How to Run Multiple Instances of NinjaTrader Using Sandboxie

Introduction

NinjaTrader is a powerful trading platform, but it allows only one instance to run natively. Using Sandboxie, a virtualization software, you can run multiple isolated instances of NinjaTrader on the same system. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to achieve this.

Prerequisites

1. Sandboxie: Install Sandboxie from its official website (Sandboxie-Plus).
2. NinjaTrader: Ensure NinjaTrader is already installed on your system.
3. Windows Administrator Access: You'll need administrative rights to configure Sandboxie properly.

Step-by-Step InstructionsStep 1: Install and Set Up Sandboxie

1. Download Sandboxie:

   • Go to the Sandboxie-Plus Download Page and download the latest version.
   • Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

   Screenshot Placeholder: [Show the Sandboxie installer running]

2. Launch Sandboxie:

   • Open Sandboxie from the Start Menu or Desktop shortcut.

Step 2: Create a New Sandbox

1. Open the Sandbox Configuration Panel:

   • In the Sandboxie Control window, click "Sandbox" in the top menu and select "Create New Box."

   Screenshot Placeholder: [Highlight the "Create New Box" option in Sandboxie]

2. Name the New Sandbox:

   • Enter a name for the new sandbox, e.g., NinjaTrader_2.

3. Configure the Sandbox:

   • Right-click the newly created sandbox in the list and select "Sandbox Settings."
   • Go to "Resource Access" > "File Access" > "Full Access" and add NinjaTrader’s installation folder (typically C:\Program Files (x86)\NinjaTrader 8).
   • Save the changes and exit the settings menu.

Step 3: Run NinjaTrader in a Sandbox

1. Locate NinjaTrader’s Executable:

   • Navigate to NinjaTrader’s installation folder (C:\Program Files (x86)\NinjaTrader 8) in File Explorer.

2. Launch NinjaTrader in the Sandbox:

   • Right-click NinjaTrader.exe (or the NinjaTrader shortcut) and select "Run Sandboxed."
   • Choose the sandbox you created earlier (e.g., NinjaTrader_2) in the prompt.

   Screenshot Placeholder: [Show the context menu with "Run Sandboxed" highlighted]

3. Verify NinjaTrader Is Running in the Sandbox:

   • NinjaTrader will launch in the sandbox. A yellow border around the application window or a [#] in the window title indicates it is sandboxed.

Step 4: Repeat for Additional Instances

1. Create More Sandboxes:

   • Repeat Step 2 to create additional sandboxes (e.g., NinjaTrader_3, NinjaTrader_4).
   • Adjust resource access settings for each new sandbox as needed.

2. Run NinjaTrader in Each Sandbox:

   • Follow Step 3 for each new sandbox to run additional instances of NinjaTrader.

Additional Tips

• Save Settings Independently: Each sandboxed instance runs independently. You can configure different accounts, strategies, and workspaces for each.

• Resource Monitoring: Ensure your system has enough CPU and RAM to handle multiple instances of NinjaTrader.

• Sandbox Cleanup: To avoid excessive disk usage, periodically clean up the sandbox by right-clicking the sandbox in Sandboxie Control and selecting "Delete Contents."

  Screenshot Placeholder: [Show the "Delete Contents" option]

Troubleshooting

1. NinjaTrader Fails to Launch in Sandbox:

   • Double-check that the NinjaTrader installation folder has been granted Full Access in Sandboxie settings.

2. Performance Issues:

   • Close unused applications and ensure your system meets the resource requirements for running multiple instances.

3. Error Messages in Sandboxie:

   • Review Sandboxie’s logs for detailed error messages and consult the Sandboxie Support Forum.

Conclusion

Using Sandboxie, you can efficiently run multiple isolated instances of NinjaTrader, making it easier to test strategies or manage multiple trading accounts simultaneously.

For further assistance, contact NinjaTrader Support or visit the Sandboxie Documentation.