Question About Steam Version Licensing and Activation (include Official Web ver.)

Purchase Steam/Official Website

from Stardock Forums

Hello,

I have a simple but important question about the Steam version of Fences.

If I purchase and activate Fences using Steam account A, and then later log out of Steam or switch to another Steam account B, will Fences continue to work normally on that PC?

More specifically, I would like to confirm:

  • After installing and activating Fences once via Steam, does it continue to work without any issues even if Steam is not running, or if I am logged into a different Steam account that did not purchase Fences?
  • Does Fences require Steam to be running after activation?
  • Do I need to keep Steam running in the background on my PC while logged into the Steam account that purchased Fences at all times?
  • Can Fences suddenly request re-validation or stop working during normal use?
  • Is there any risk that my desktop layout (Fences arrangement) could reset due to a license check?

Additionally, I would like to understand how the license authentication actually works:

  • Is the license continuously validated through the Steam account, or is it based on a local activation cache stored on the PC (such as data on the HDD/SSD) after installation?
  • Is Steam login only required during the initial installation and activation?

Also, I would like to understand the difference between the Steam version and the version purchased from your official website.

If there is no functional or stability difference, would it be correct to say that the Steam version is simply a more cost-effective option for a single user?

I use this in a live streaming environment, so I need a clear and definitive answer.

Thank you.

fences
629 views 3 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
I have forwarded your questions to Stardock Support Team for their assistance. Please keep an eye on this thread for any updates. We appreciate your feedback and patience. Thank you.

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Steam is a worse deal. We can't offer things like upgrade discounts, or subscriptions (which seem evil, but, actually work out to $0.83/mo and keep you up to date forever), and customer support is more difficult. Steam throws up a low of barrier for publishes.

Others on the team know more about the licensing specifics than I, but no from what I'm aware it does need to continually check with Steam, b/c that's how Steam activation works. (Not like, constantly, but regular refreshes.) It won't just stop working the moment there's no internet or anything like that. From what I'm aware, you absolutely need to stay logged into Steam. And again it's just... a worse deal. We only offer it because some people really prefer it and/or it's the only way they buy things.

There is no chance that your settings are at risk during any of this. Just license buffoonery.

I don't see how Steam is more cost-effective. Pricing is the same and again publisher hands are more tied in terms of helping users into upgrades and or maintenance options. I hope this helps. Will see if other team members have additional input to give

Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top


If I purchase and activate Fences using Steam account A, and then later log out of Steam or switch to another Steam account B, will Fences continue to work normally on that PC?

Yes, if Fences is activated, it will stay that way. 

After installing and activating Fences once via Steam, does it continue to work without any issues even if Steam is not running, or if I am logged into a different Steam account that did not purchase Fences?

Same answer, yes.

Do I need to keep Steam running in the background on my PC while logged into the Steam account that purchased Fences at all times?

Same question but different answer, no, you dont have to keep Steam running - just ensure Fences is activated. \

Can Fences suddenly request re-validation or stop working during normal use?

Yes, if you delete the license.sig file located at:

C:\ProgramData\Stardock\Fences6


Is there any risk that my desktop layout (Fences arrangement) could reset due to a license check?

None that I can think of and there is a restore option in Fences if it ever happens. 


Also, I would like to understand the difference between the Steam version and the version purchased from your official website.

The medium (delivery method) and Valve make us hide all our activation \ installation \ communication tools. 


Is Steam login only required during the initial installation and activation?

Yes but it does need to be the exact same as the Steam account you purchased it under. 

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager