I am also having the same problem with DeskScapes 8 version 8.0 and Fences 2 version 2.10.

It should be noted that you don't have to disable the service if you simply go to the personalization window and change the background it will allow you to drag and drop icons on your desktop and in fences. once you have the icons the way you want them you can launch deskscapes and select an active background. 

I still have to log off, and back on to be able to move the icons.

I am having this exact same problem. I can confirm that if you change the desktop back using Personalize -> Windows Desktop Backgrounds, you can drag/drop & cut/paste icons. I did not have to log out.

Same problem here.  I am using Win 8 64 bit and latest versions of Deskscapes and Fences.  When I uninstall Deskscapes the problem goes away.  Hence DS8 should be the culprit.  I thought Stardock would have fixed this issue by now.  Oh well...

Don't mean to budge, but is there any progress on this issue? My icons are just locked when attempting to move them around whether they are from fence to fence or desktop to fence or desktop to desktop. It was working pretty smoothly on my Windows 8, then I upgraded to Windows 8.1 and then the issue started happening.

There is a beta build for fences on the Stardock store. 2.11.

Have you tried it yet? 

You could try this as a batch file type thing

Right click and choose "run as admin"

Run it and while paused, move your icons, go back and 'press any key

net stop "Stardock DeskScapes 8"

pause

net start "Stardock DeskScapes 8"

I'm seeing this more and more frequently on my Windows 8 machine too.

I am having the same problem, but on Windows 7 and I don't have deskscapes. Same issue, but obviously for very different reasons.

I am having the same problem on my Windows 8.1 machine.  Before I upgraded from 8.0 I had no problems.  W8.1 won't let me move any icon and I don't have any of the previously mentioned stardock software on my machine.

Windows 8.1 MCE, Fences 2, no problems here. It may not help, but not everyone has the problem, so it may be an issue with some setting on your specific PC?

Thanks RND.  I'll investigate all of the desktop settings.

This Problem started for me after update to Windows 8.1 and creating an new User Account (Windows 8.1 update converted my Local to a Online Account without my permission).  I am not sure if the problem had existed with the old User Account at Windows 8.1 because i deleted it directly. But because the Account is new almost all Desktop and/or Icons related settings are now set to Windows 8.1 Default. Nothing else changed.

btw. I use Start8 and ModernMix, no Deskscapes.

The problem still exists.  

Just installed Windows 8.1 free upgrade and have the same issue, cannot move any icons. Cut and paste = yes. Move? No.

Going to try re-installing.

Back now - long story short, uninstalling and then logging out and back in allowed me to move my icons again.

After re-installing Fences2 (v2.10) on Windows 8.1 Professional, my icons are locked again.

PLEASE tell me you will have a fix soon

The solution is to install Fences 2.11. If you have purchased, you can download from here: https://store.stardock.com/myaccount/products

If you are using the trial, install this one: http://download.cnet.com/Fences/3000-2072_4-10909535.html?tag=mncol;1

I was having the same problem with just Fences 2.0 installed.  I have now upgraded to the Beta 2.12 version and so far, so good.  If the problem recurs, I will post again.

Not only Deskscapes.

I found I get the same issue with WindowBlinds v8

Im using Windows 8.1 x64

--

Irritatingly, I have bought the entire stardosk software collection and onyl a few things appeal to me, and I can rarely get a happy setup on either my Laptop or my main PC - I dont care which one, but Its never been 100% right.

We have not seen the locked icon issue due to WindowBlinds before. It is probably best to open a support ticket with us if you have not already. 

Please download and run the following utility:

http://sd.stardock.com/SDSupportTool.exe

This is a tool that we use to gather relevant log files and basic information about your computer. Once the utility finishes running, please attach the .zip file it creates on the desktop when you create a ticket here.

Ok, well, I have uninstalled it from my Laptop right now and I have put it onto my PC.

I know I am NOT supposed to, but I will put it back onto my laptop just for now so I will get the info you require.

I have NOT put Fences on my main PC, just start8 and Window blinds and its running fine,, but as I said, I will put Fenes and WB onto the laptop just for testing ok?

Ok I installed Fences and WB and sure enough its still doing the same stuff.

The Mouse, when I try to Click and drag, turns into a black circle with a line through it and the icons wont move.

So yeah, its with WB too, not just DeskScapes

Anyway, I will do that now then... The ZIP is done and on my Desktop, so thanks.

I know its kind of piracy, but I will leave these two programs installed on my laptop for now, just until I resolve it, so I dont mess my desktop pc around... just in case...

I have the same problem. I don't have deskscapes on my computer just Start 8 v1.45 and Fences v2.10. This appears to be a very old post and youre still having this same problem?

DS8 here, same problem.

NEED FIX

I'm having the same problem. I'm not using fences only DS8 so it's clearly a DS8 issue. If I disable DS8 I can move my icons again. This is annoying, anyone have a fix?