Fixing NinjaTrader
OneDrive Issues
How to Resolve Import Errors and Compile Failures
NinjaTrader does not work properly with OneDrive. When OneDrive syncs your Documents folder — where NinjaTrader stores all its files — it locks files during sync and can move them to a cloud-synced location. This causes import failures, compile errors, "duplicate method name" errors, and other unexpected behavior.
This is not an indicator issue. It's a NinjaTrader + OneDrive platform incompatibility that affects all third-party add-ons. The fix is to move your NinjaTrader files off OneDrive.
How to Tell If You're Affected
Common symptoms of the NinjaTrader + OneDrive conflict:
- "Import failed. The NinjaScript Archive File may contain duplicate method names..." error message
- Compile errors after importing indicators
- Indicators disappearing after restarting NinjaTrader
- NinjaTrader running slowly or freezing during imports
How to Check
Open File Explorer and look at your Documents folder path. If your NinjaTrader 8 folder is under C:\Users\[YourName]\OneDrive\Documents\NinjaTrader 8 instead of C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\NinjaTrader 8, OneDrive has moved your files and is likely causing the problem.
Quick Fix
If you just need to get an import working right now, try this temporary workaround:
1. Pause OneDrive Syncing
Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray and select Pause syncing (pick any duration).
2. Restart NinjaTrader
Close NinjaTrader completely, then reopen it.
3. Try the Import Again
Go to Tools > Import > NinjaScript Add-on... and import your indicator ZIP file. Resume OneDrive when done.
Note: This is a temporary workaround. The issue will likely come back the next time OneDrive syncs. For a permanent fix, follow the steps below.
Permanent Fix
Follow these steps to permanently resolve the NinjaTrader + OneDrive conflict:
Step 1: Stop OneDrive Documents Backup
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray and open Settings. Go to Sync and backup > Manage backup. Find Documents and set it to Stop backup. This prevents OneDrive from syncing your Documents folder going forward.
Step 2: Move NinjaTrader Files to Your Local Drive
Open File Explorer and find your NinjaTrader 8 folder (likely under OneDrive\Documents). Copy the entire NinjaTrader 8 folder to your local Documents folder at C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\.
Alternatively, right-click the Documents folder, go to Properties > Location, and change the path back to the local drive. This moves all documents (not just NinjaTrader) back to your local machine.
Step 3: Reinstall NinjaTrader
Uninstall NinjaTrader via Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program. Then reinstall it from ninjatrader.com (log in to your account and click Download). This ensures NinjaTrader points to the correct local folder.
Step 4: Reimport Your Indicators
Once NinjaTrader is freshly installed, reimport your indicator ZIP files via Tools > Import > NinjaScript Add-on.... Your download links from Steady Turtle are permanent — reuse the links from your original confirmation email.
Further Reading
Other NinjaTrader vendors have documented this same issue. Here are some additional resources:
Key Takeaways
- NinjaTrader does not work with OneDrive — this is a known platform limitation.
- The most common symptom is the "duplicate method names" import error.
- The permanent fix is to move your NinjaTrader files off OneDrive and reinstall.
- This is not an indicator issue — it affects all NinjaTrader add-ons.
Need help? Reach out to us at support@steady-turtle.com.
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