Fences 4 quits working on Windows 10 and Windows 11

from Stardock Forums

For some time now, Fences 4.0 just quits working.  All Fences disappear and all icons are dispersed to the desktop.  While rebooting at first seemed to fix it, it no longer takes care of it.  For a while I was able to just start up the interface to configure Fences and after a period time, the Fences would just reappear.  Now the frequency of Fences going away occurs multiple times a day.  There are no updates available for Fences to address any situation like this.  The last couple of days, even during the reboot, all Fences are gone when the desktop appears and the mass of icons are all on the desktop.  Loading the configuration interface doesn't even seem to help now.  Has anyone else started experiencing this issue?  If so, have you come across any workarounds or fixes?  I have it occurring on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.  It's very frustrating.  I have hundreds of icons in many different fences.  I don't have enough space on my desktop to display the icons by themselves.  I'm very hesitant to uninstall and reinstall at this point.  I need to investigate first to find out if there is a way to backup my Fences so I do not have to recreate my fences and their current organization.  Once I can confirm this exists and know a way to reload from the backup, then I can uninstall and reinstall.  However, I have my doubts as to whether this will do much good.

fences
20,223 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. You can use this guide to backup your layout snapshot: https://forums.stardock.com/486084/fences-support-faq#backupsnapshots.

After that is done, please try purge and reinstall steps as mention here : [Link]. Just make sure to redownload the latest version from your account page. Reboot after the purge. Reinstall and reboot again after the installation. Retest and report back here.

Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

I just installed Windows 10 22H2 from scratch. I installed and activated Fences 4 but when I right click and drag on the desktop, there is no "create fence" option. Instead there is an "Enable Fences" selection that doesn't seem to do anything.

The Political Machine 2024
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting JChap, reply 2

I just installed Windows 10 22H2 from scratch. I installed and activated Fences 4 but when I right click and drag on the desktop, there is no "create fence" option. Instead there is an "Enable Fences" selection that doesn't seem to do anything.

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. But, it is best to create your own new thread so we do not get confused with OP issue. Include more detail and some screenshot too. Full Windows version numbers also help. Use Winver.exe.

Thanks
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Got the purge done.  Rebooted.  Reinstalled.  Rebooted.  Two days went by with no issues.  All of a sudden the issue started happening again just as before.  So here I am back to square one again.

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting VaCherokeeMama, reply 6

I am having the same issue, can't use it because won't let me create a fence.

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. But, please create your own new thread. I don't think your issue is similar to the OP issue.

Thanks
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

same problem for me.. using WIndows 11. Fences always disabled when I boot up. Windows wont' shut down. Have to restart computer to actually shut down my laptop. Followed procedure. Delete and REINSTALL. suddenly everything is Ok. Next day back to square one.