How to update data to MetaStock using WinChart

(Applicable to WinChart Version 2.00 and above)

Unlike conventional data provider, WinChart data store KLSE counters using official counter code, it allow data to be updated correctly even the counter change name. WinChart version support MetaStock data will apply this technique. It eliminate the user to change the counter's name or merge the old counter to the new one. With advancement in technology, WinChart take advantage of this advance technology. In WinChart, you do not have to remember your last update data, WinChart automatically remember the last update date for you. Whenever you download data from the WinChart server which running 24 hours, it will send you all the data you needed, no matter how many days missed with just one click.

To maintain this advantage, you need to export the historical data directly from WinChart. There are two way to export data to MetaStock.

1. Export counter by counter.
This is the fastest way to export data. You only export counter that you wanted to analyse using MetaStock. Since most of the common and useful indicators are already included in WinChart and it is much more easier to access them in WinChart, you may only export a few counters to do extra analysis.For example you could export KLCI regularly or the counter you particular interested in order for you to read the computer generate commentary.

2. Export all counters.
It export all counts to MetaStock format. It will take a while for WinChart to export all data but it is only need to do it once. After you export all the data, you need to run WinChart Downloader and check the option to "Update MS data" in Settings. Every time you end of day download data (Download EOD), WinChart will update the MetaStock data for you. Please take note that MetaStock update do not support the DownloadNow feature event though it support midday data download and update. To read real time download data, you need to manually export counter using the method explained in item 1.


Before you begin, please make sure you have enough free space to hold the new set of data. The MS data currently require about 30 MB of hard disk space. It should not be a problem to decent computer as it usually have plenty of space.

Step by step guide

1. Export counter by counter.
a) Install MetaStock if you have not done so.
b) Start WinChart and make sure you are not running MetaStock or open any chart in MetaStock.
c) Click the first button on the left hand side. A menu pop up, select "Explore". The Explore window will be shown.
d) Select the list on the lower left hand corner, e.g. : Indices, Futures, All Counters, C.I. Component and so on.
e) Click on the counter that you want in the list, e.g. : Maybank, Tenaga and so on.
f) Click the "Export MS" button located on the button.
g) If you are first time exporting data to MS, it will prompt for create the MS Data Folder, choose yes.
h) Wait when WinChart process and export the data. A message box will prompt indicate the export is succeeded.
i) If error occur, make sure that you have close MetaStock, then try it again.
j) If you need to export another counter, repeat the step from d).

2. Export all counters.
a) Install MetaStock if you have not done so.
b) Start WinChart and make sure you are not running MetaStock or open any chart in MetaStock.
c) Click the first button on the left hand side. A menu pop up, select "Export MS". The Export window will be shown.
d) There is one check box namely "Export all data". If checked, it will export all record from database for all counter, other wise it will only export the default 400 ticks (days).
e)  Check to export all records in data for each counters.
f) The counter field will shown the current counter code that exporting.
g) You can interrupt the export process any time you wanted by click on the "Cancel" button.
h) When it finish,click "OK" on the message box.

Open chart with MetaStock
WinChart store the exported data in a default directory or folder, "C:\MetaStock Data\WinChart\". After you start MetaStock, click on the open, choose this directory. A list of counters' name will be listed. You may switch to symbol mode if you want to display the list in stock code. Select counter from list and click the "Open" button.