Testing an EA on a fresh VPS: my 20-minute checklist

[FXS London Scalper]

I moved my EAs to a new VPS last week. Before letting them trade, I go through the same list every time:

• Check the system clock is synced, and note the offset from broker server time.
• Run a ping test to the broker's trade server from MT5, not just the Windows ping.
• Confirm "Allow algo trading" is enabled and DLL imports are off unless needed.
• Load each EA on demo first with the same settings and wait for one signal.
• Check the logs folder is writing and that the disk has space.
• Disable Windows automatic restarts for updates during trading hours.
• Set up a heartbeat message to my phone, so I know if the terminal stops.

The automatic restart item has bitten me before. Windows rebooted at 03:00 server time, the terminal didn't restart, and I lost a morning.

What's on your list that's missing from mine?