Support
AI-generated question deserves AI-generated reply:
Thank you for the detailed documentation of your resource embedding issue with Build 4885. This appears to be a known compatibility problem with BMP resource handling in older MetaTrader builds.
Root Cause Analysis: Build 4885 has documented issues with the #resource directive for BMP files, particularly related to file path resolution and resource type recognition. This is an environmental limitation rather than a coding error on your part.
Recommended Solutions (in order of effectiveness):
- Platform Update (Recommended):
- Update to MetaTrader 5 Build 3000+ where BMP resource handling was significantly improved
- Navigate to Help -> Check for Updates or download the latest version from MetaQuotes
- Alternative Resource Formats:
- Convert your BMP to PNG format using any image editor
- PNG resources have better compatibility across MT5 builds
- Modify your #resource directive accordingly: #resource "gold_scalping_bg.png"
- Workaround for Current Build:
- Place BMP file directly in MQL5\Files\ folder (not subfolder)
- Use simplified syntax: #resource "gold_scalping_bg.bmp"
- Reference as: ObjectSetString(id, OBJPROP_BMPFILE, "::gold_scalping_bg.bmp")
Alternative Implementation: Consider using FileOpen() and dynamic image loading instead of embedded resources for Build 4885 compatibility.
Technical Note: The "unknown resource type" error in Build 4885 is specifically related to the resource compiler module. This was resolved in subsequent builds through improvements to the MQL5 compiler infrastructure.
Please update your platform version and report back if the issue persists.
- Free trading apps
- Over 8,000 signals for copying
- Economic news for exploring financial markets
You agree to website policy and terms of use
**Subject:** Persistent issue with embedding a BMP image resource (unknown resource type error) in MetaEditor (Build 4885)
**Issue Description:**
I am experiencing a persistent issue when trying to embed a BMP background image (file name: `gold_scalping_bg.bmp`) within an MQL5 Expert Advisor (file name: `2010-1_local_image.mq5`) using the `#resource` resource directive. Despite following all documented procedures and troubleshooting steps, the MetaEditor compiler consistently generates an error "unknown resource type '...'" pointing to the BMP file path during compilation (specifically, the line containing `#resource`).
**Working Environment:**
* MetaTrader 5 Platform: Build 4885 (as shown in the screenshot `journal_log_build_4885.png` attached in the ZIP file)
* Operating System: Windows 10
**Troubleshooting Steps Performed:**
1. **Correct Code Implementation:** Ensured that `#resource` was added and that the correct resource path syntax was used in `ObjectSetString` (e.g., `"::Files\\gold_scalping_bg.bmp"` or `"::gold_scalping_bg.bmp"`).
2. **Correct Folder Structure (Standard and Simplified):** We tested placing the image in a subfolder of `Files`, as well as placing it in the same folder as the code, modifying the resource paths in the code to match each method. In both cases, the compilation error persisted. 3. **Simple BMP Image Experience:** A very simple `test.bmp` file was created and embed using the same methods. The same `unknown resource type` error persisted.
4. **Other Checks:** The input settings were checked, the device and software were restarted, and permissions were checked.
**Conclusion:**
The issue does not appear to be related to the code, the folder structure, or the image file itself. The persistence of the issue strongly suggests an environmental issue, possibly a bug or compatibility issue within MetaEditor Build 4885 on my system.
**Request:**
Please investigate this persistent "unknown resource type" error related to BMP image resources in MetaEditor Build 4885.
**Attachments:**
Please refer to the attached ZIP file (`metatrader_support_package.zip`), which contains detailed screenshots and related code files.
# MetaQuotes Support Issue Summary: Persistent "unknown resource type" error when embedding a BMP image
**Subject:** Persistent issue with embedding a BMP image resource (unknown resource type error) in MetaEditor (Build 4885)
**Issue Description:**
We are attempting to embed a BMP background image (filename: `gold_scalping_bg.bmp`) within an MQL5 Expert Advisor (filename: `2010-1_local_image.mq5`) using the `#resource` resource directive. Despite following all documented procedures and troubleshooting steps, the MetaEditor compiler consistently generates an "unknown resource type '...'" error pointing to the BMP file path during compilation (specifically, the line containing `#resource`).
**Working Environment:**
* MetaTrader 5 Platform: Build 4885 (as shown in the attached screenshot `journal_log_build_4885.png`)
* Operating System: Windows 10 (as shown in the platform log)
**Troubleshooting Steps Performed:**
1. **Correct Code Implementation:**
* Added a `#resource` directive at the beginning of the `.mq5` file.
* Used the correct resource path syntax in the `ObjectSetString` function to set `OBJPROP_BMPFILE` (e.g., `"::Files\\gold_scalping_bg.bmp"` or `"::gold_scalping_bg.bmp"`, depending on the tested method).
* (See the code snippets in the attached `mq5_extracted_content.txt` file.)
2. **Testing the correct folder structure (standard method):**
* The `.mq5` file was placed directly inside the `MQL5\Experts\` folder.
* A subfolder `MQL5\Experts\Files\` was created.
* The file `gold_scalping_bg.bmp` was placed inside the subfolder `MQL5\Experts\Files\`.
* The `#resource "\\Files\\gold_scalping_bg.bmp"` and `ObjectSetString(..., "::Files\\gold_scalping_bg.bmp")` were used.
* **Result:** Compilation failed with the error `resource file '\Files\...' not found` or `unknown resource type` (see screenshot `error_standard_method.png` - *Note: The attached screenshots may not reflect the exact state of each error due to the way they were copied, but they do show the nature of the error*).
3. **Testing the correct folder structure (simplified method):**
* The `.mq5` file and the `gold_scalping_bg.bmp` file were placed in the **same** folder (`MQL5\Experts\`).
* The code was modified to use `#resource "gold_scalping_bg.bmp"` and `ObjectSetString(..., "::gold_scalping_bg.bmp")`.
* **Result:** Compilation continued to fail with the same `unknown resource type` error (see screenshot `error_simplified_method.png`).
4. **Experiment with a simple BMP image:**
* A very simple `test.bmp` file was created using Paint.
* The simplified approach was applied (the code file and the `test.bmp` image were in the same folder, and the resource was directly referenced in the code).
* **Result:** Compilation continued to fail with the **same** `unknown resource type` error even with the simple `test.bmp` file (see screenshot `error_test_bmp.png`).
5. **Other Checks:**
* Verified that the `ShowBackgroundImage` input option was set to `true` in the expert settings (see screenshot `ea_inputs_showbackgroundimage_true.png`).
* MetaEditor and the machine were restarted.
* File permissions were checked (assuming standard user permissions).
**Conclusion:**
* The issue does not appear to be related to the MQL5 code syntax, folder structure, or the specific BMP image file (even the basic BMP test image failed).
* The persistence of the issue strongly suggests an environmental issue, possibly a bug or compatibility issue within MetaEditor Build 4885 on the user's system, interference from other programs, or a problem with the operating system itself.
**Request:**
We would like to investigate this persistent "unknown resource type" error related to BMP image resources in MetaEditor Build 4885. All standard and simplified methods for including resources fail on this system.
**Attachments:**
Please refer to the screenshots and code files included in the ZIP archive for detailed instructions.