Getting Started & Installation

🚀 New Users: Consider FastTrack Instead

Before you install FT4web, consider our new browser-based FastTrack platform.

FastTrack offers the same data and functionality as FT4web, but runs 100% in your browser with no installation, no data updates to manage, and no technical issues. It works on Macs, Windows, and any device with a modern browser.

Read the Migration Guide to learn more about FastTrack.

If you're experiencing issues with FT4web or want a simpler experience, we strongly recommend migrating to FastTrack as soon as possible.

Install FT4web as a New User

If you've decided to use FT4web, here's how to get started:

Step 1: Download FT Comm

Download FT Comm Installer

FT Comm is the installer and updater for FT4web. It will:

• Install the FT4web charting program
• Download all necessary data files
• Keep your data updated daily

Step 2: Run the Installation

1. Open your Downloads folder
2. Right-click ftcomminstall.zip and choose Extract All
3. Open the extracted folder
4. Double-click setup.exe
5. Follow the installer prompts
6. Enter your credentials on the new user screen:
   • Account number
   • Password
   • Install path (default: C:\FT - recommended for most users)
7. Click "Start Install" and FT Comm will install FastTrack

Do not run the .msi file directly unless support tells you to. Use setup.exe.

If Windows or your antivirus shows a warning, choose the option that allows the program to run. The wording may be Run, Run anyway, Allow access, or Do not block.

Alternate installer: If the ZIP installer does not work, try the ClickOnce installer.

Note: If the First Time User screen doesn't appear, navigate to the User Settings tab and enter your account number and password there.

Step 3: Complete the Setup

1. Navigate to the Download tab if not already there
2. Press the Connect button
3. The install will begin and show progress on screen
4. When finished, FastTrack is installed

Step 4: Start Charting

Click the "Charting – Ranking" icon on your desktop to display charts and start using FT4web!

Installation Requirements

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows (FT4web is Windows-only)
• Admin Rights: Required for initial installation only
• Install Location: Default is C:\FT (do NOT install in "Program Files")
• Internet Connection: Required for data updates

Account Requirements

• Active FastTrack subscription
• Account number and password
• One "Main PC" designation per subscription

Don't have an account? Call 866-295-0166 during business hours to set up a subscription or request a free trial.

Install Path Guidelines

Recommended Install Location

C:\FT (the default) is recommended for most users.

Important Warnings

❌ DO NOT install in "Program Files" Windows security may prevent FT4web from modifying its own data and configuration files.

❌ DO NOT use paths with spaces Older programs that use FT data may not work properly with long filenames containing spaces.

✅ Changing drive letters is fine C:\FT, D:\FT, E:\FT are all acceptable

❌ DO NOT use network drives The install location must be a local drive with read/write permissions

After Installation

Automatic Daily Updates

FT Comm automatically updates your data:

• 7:30pm Central: New closing prices, dividends, and corrections
• 8am-11am Central: Additional corrections and updates

Starting FT4web

Use the "Charting – Ranking" desktop icon to launch FT4web

Updating Data Manually

1. Open FT Comm
2. On the Download tab, select "Update Data and Integrity Check"
3. Click "Connect"

Setting Up Automatic Backups

1. Open FT Comm
2. Go to the User Settings tab
3. Check "Backup user data during update"

Your families, signals, chart settings, and other custom configurations will be backed up to the cloud automatically.

Getting Help

Free Training and Support

Call 866-295-0166 x 2 for:

• Free investment training
• Technical assistance
• Help with setup

Online Resources

• FT4web Charting Manual
• Online Support Portal (when directed by support)
• Migration Guide to FastTrack

Support Hours

8:00AM-5:00PM Central (market days)

Next Steps

Once installed:

1. Learn the User Guide - Understand daily operations
2. Set up automatic backups - Protect your custom settings
3. Explore the charting features - Start analyzing your investments
4. Consider FastTrack - Review the browser version for future migration

Troubleshooting Installation Issues

Pop-up Warnings from Anti-Virus

• DO NOT automatically click OK
• Read the message carefully
• Choose options like "Run this program", "Allow Access", "Do Not Block", or "Run Anyway"

Installation Fails or Hangs

1. Disable anti-virus temporarily during installation
2. Ensure you're logged in as a Windows administrator
3. Check that you have write permissions to the install folder
4. Try the default install path (C:\FT) instead of a custom location

Can't Connect to Download Data

• Check your internet connection
• Verify your account number and password are correct
• Check your firewall isn't blocking FT Comm
• Call support at 866-295-0166 x 2

For more troubleshooting help, see the Troubleshooting Guide.