Upgrading to Fences 2.0 beta -- Will I lose my current 1.x fences?

Topic says it... when I launched the beta installer I got the dialog that said to uninstall Fences Pro and reboot then install the beta.

QUESTION: How 'smart' is the upgrade installation? Even though I uninstall Pro 1.x, will it find my most recent snapshot and initially configure the beta to have these current fences?

I sure don't want to have to re-do my fences if I don't have to...

 

7,705 views 7 replies
Reply #1 Top

Your existing fences and rules should remain in place.

Having said that, this *is* a beta.

 

"Nothing on earth is forcing you to install the beta versions. It can get rough on the bleeding edge. "

-- Kris Kwilas, 'Essays on Mind and Matter


Reply #2 Top

Quoting Zubaz, reply 1
"Nothing on earth is forcing you to install the beta versions. It can get rough on the bleeding edge. "-- Kris Kwilas, 'Essays on Mind and Matter
End of Zubaz's quote

Who IS this sage? .....;)

Reply #3 Top

I only had one fence, so I uninstalled Pro. I like 2.

Reply #4 Top

The upgrade process needs to be click simple and obvious. Even in the beta stage it would be worth considering elements of this.

I checked that I had screen shots and backups. In order to stop version 1.0 being the dominant program I had to go into MSConfig and manually stop Fences 1 from starting.

(Windows 7 - Click on windows icon bottom left | Type msconfig into search box | Opens System Configuration window | Click on startup tab | Click on Manufacterer heading to sort by Manufacturer | Scroll down to Stardock entries | Identify Fences 1 by hovering over the command to show the path to the command file | Uncheck the startup Item check box | Click Apply | Ckick OK. You will be prompted to restart your system. When it has restarted you Fences 2.0 will then be active.

 

Suggestion

Fences 1 and Fences 2 both show as Fences in the startup Item list. It's a minor detail but would have made the above much simpler if Fences 2 could be renamed to Fences 2?

More importantly a simple upgrade path option to over write the installation. For Betas a step by step guide to switching.

i.e.

1. Backup Fences 1.0 layouts

2. Ensure everyone knows how to find the back ups

(Reluctant to advise uninstalling Fences 1.0 in case of any activation issues should the Beta users choose to return to 1.0)

3. Uninstall version 1.0

4. Install Beta

5. Re-instate latest backup

 

Thanks,

 

Nigel

Reply #5 Top

Fences 2 uses the same settings and backups in the registry as F1.  So the steps are run F2, prompt to uninstall F1, uninstall F1, reboot, install F2.  Done!

Reply #6 Top

I uninstalled Fences one. Rebooted my computer. Installed Fences 2 and my old fences popped back up. There was no need to redo my fences at all. I havent gone through to make sure every single folder/file was in the correct Fence, but I didnt see any extra folders on my desktop so I didnt see a reason to think they arent where they where before the upgrade to Fences 2 beta. 

 

 **OFF TOPIC**

  I do want to apologize to Stardock. I was initially upset and said a few bad words at my computer when I was unable to use all the features and was told I needed to purchase to get all features. Since I own the Object Desktop I was expecting it to be a free upgrade.  Since I love Fences, as well as the other tweaks you guys provide (Windowsblinds, Deskscapes for example), I decided I would begrudgingly buy what I thought I was supposed to already be getting. So I clicked on the purchase and to my GREAT joy saw there was an option to put in the serial. In all the excitement of finally seeing Fences 2 beta was available, I forgot there was never an option to enter the serial during the install process. 

 

 So I apologize for the bad things I said to my computer directed at you. LOL Though perhaps instead of the "$9.99 purchase" button at the bottom could say "Unlock all Features" or something to that effect. 

Reply #7 Top

Quoting Pizentu, reply 7
So I apologize for the bad things I said to my computer directed at you. LOL Though perhaps instead of the "$9.99 purchase" button at the bottom could say "Unlock all Features" or something to that effect. 
End of Pizentu's quote

If swearing at technology required an apology, no one would have any time for anything except apologies.   :thumbsup:

Also, we're addressing the, uh, ambiguity in our activation process to make it more intuitive and less profanity inspiring.