How can I get my registration / product key information
Activation Issues and Questions
Please click here
Information and Usage
Troubleshooting
Fences 4 specific
Self Support Options
Information and Usage
Corporate Pricing for Fences
For orders of 10 seats or less, normal checkout processes and pricing apply and can be seen from the main site:
https://www.stardock.com/products/
To view purchasing information for larger deployments, including volume discounts, or to contact the sales team, please click here:
https://www.stardock.com/corporatesolutions/
Fences 1 and 2 on Windows 10
Fences 1 is not supported on Windows 10.
With the latest Windows 10 - Creators Update (April 2017), certain Fences 2 features may longer function consistently or as expected.
We suggest upgrading to Fences 4 so you can continue to use all the great features Fences offers.
How do I use snapshots in Fences?
In Fences you can back up and restore snapshots of your layouts.
For Fences 2 & 3:
-Right click on the desktop and select "Configure Fences..."
-Click on "Layout and snapping" on the left hand side of the configuration window that appears.
-Select a snapshot you wish to revert to. A preview window will appear showing you what the desktop will look like.
-Click Restore Snapshot to revert the desktop to this preview.
-If you wish to take a snapshot instead, use the 'Take Snapshot' button.
How do I back up Fences snapshots?
The easiest way to backup and restore Fences settings is via the snapshot system. Simply copy the snapshots from one machine to the other, then restore the snapshot.
Snapshots are stored in the following directories:
XP: C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Stardock\Fences\Backups
Vista/7/8/10: C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Stardock\Fences\Backups
You will need to replace USERNAME with your user account name on your PC.
Alternatively, you can import the following registry key into the new machine's registry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Stardock\Fences
To restore a snapshot:
-Right click on the desktop and select "Configure Fences..."
-Click on "Layout and snapping" on the left hand side of the configuration window that appears.
-Select a snapshot you wish to revert to. A preview window will appear showing you what the desktop will look like.
-Click Restore Snapshot to revert the desktop to this preview.
How can I enable list view?
The list view is only supported on folder portals. If there are items in another fence that you wish to view like this, you could create a new folder, move the shortcuts into that new folder and create a folder portal linking to that folder.
You can create a folder portal by doing the following:
-Click and drag a box on an empty area of the desktop and then release the mouse button
-Choose 'Create Folder Portal here:
-Select which folder you would like to display
-Click the menu button in the upper left of the newly created folder portal and choose the following:
I cannot move, resize, or access the options of my fences
It could be that the Fences are locked. Try right clicking on an empty area of the desktop and then do the following.
Once that has been done, see if you can use the controls on the fence or move or resize it.
If this does not help, make sure you have the latest version of Fences installed. The latest installer can be accessed when you sign into your account here: https://store.stardock.com/myaccount/products
How can I reset Fences to the default state
Resetting Fences to the default state is useful if you want to get back to the original setup so you can start over. It also can help when troubleshooting issues with Fences.
To reset Fences to its initial install state, right click on an empty space on your desktop and select 'Configure Fences'.
Select 'Layout and snapping' and 'Perform automatic layout' then select 'Yes':
This should reset your desktop to its original state when you installed Fences.
Fences and Multi-Monitor / Docking Stations
If you are having multi-monitor issues with Fence, and If you have multi-monitor apps like:
-DisplayFusion
-Actual Multiple Monitors
-Nvidia nView Desktop Manager
We cannot assist you unless they are fully disabled/uninstalled.
There are still some Fences 3 multi-monitor issues that we have seen from some clients (not all) on Windows post the Creators
Update that:
-Use of various docking stations and migrating to and from them.
-Unplug / plug in monitors frequently
-Allow PC to sleep (thus disabling/re-enabling monitors in an abrupt and destructive way).
-Different scaling on a per monitor basis.
For this, there are some things to try when oddities are seen.
-Restart Windows Explorer:
You can use this batch file to do that easily:
https://sd.stardock.com/Support/Utilities/restartExp.zip
-Try turning on the per-screen-resolution setting under "Layout and snapping" in the configuration screen:
https://sd.stardock.com/brad.ather/Jingimages/2017-06-27_1114_001.png
If that does not help, try the 'Reset saved settings for other screen resolutions' option.
-Set up and restore custom Fences snapshots:
It would be prudent to create, and save, custom snapshots based on your circumstance (docking station with multiple monitors vs without).
To Create a Snapshot:
https://sd.stardock.com/sean/JingImages/2017-07-26_1142.png
To restore a Snapshot:
-Right-click on the desktop and select "Configure Fences..."
-Click on "Layout and snapping" on the left-hand side of the configuration window that appears.
-Select a snapshot you wish to revert to. A preview window will appear showing you what the desktop will look like.
-Click Restore Snapshot to revert the desktop to this preview.
-Fences Rules:
You can set up a bucket Fences that exists on any monitor you like. With that, any icons you want to go to a specific monitor will do so based on the rule and where the Fences exists.
Can I get a Steam Key for my version of Fences
At this time, we are not providing Steam keys for prior Fences purchases made through the Stardock store.
If this changes, we will let clients know.
Stop folder portal navigation from opening in a new Explorer window
Please ensure that all three are done to stop folder portal navigation from opening up in a new Windows Explorer window:
- From hamburger menu on folder portal title — select/check "Allow navigation"
- In Windows, search file explorer options - "General" tab - select/check "Open each folder in the same window" & click Apply
- Under folder options "View" tab — unselect/uncheck "Launch folder windows in a separate process" & click Apply
How do I force Fences to English
You can change the language used in Fences from simplified Chinese to English by adding 'en' to UserLang in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Stardock\Fences.
We've made a reg key to simplify this process. Download the key below and extract it. Double click the key and follow the prompts below.
https://sd.stardock.com/Support/Utilities/REG%20KEYS/toEnglish.zip
This warning will appear letting you know it's adding to the registry:
https://sd.stardock.com/brad.ather/Jingimages/2017-07-18_0935.png
This message lets you know it's been added:
https://sd.stardock.com/brad.ather/Jingimages/2017-07-18_0935_001.png
After you click ok, log out and back into Windows.
Disable Fences on a per user basis
Fences can be disabled for the default user through a change in the registry.
Download the following file:
https://sd.stardock.com/zubaz/apps/disable_fences_for_default_users.reg
Disable update check in Fences
The following batch file will disable the upgrade check Fences does periodically. It will only work on Fences 3.05 or greater.
https://cdn.stardock.us/support/uploads/UpgradeCheck.zip
Fences Volume Configuration For Mass Deployment (corporate)
Please see:
https://forums.stardock.com/502632/fences-volume-configuration
Troubleshooting
Fences won't activate
The most common reasons for this are
-Using the wrong key for the wrong version of Fences
-Using the wrong email / not the same one you initially activated Fences with.
Use the link below to ensure you have the correct version installed, the proper key for it, and the correct email address (try all you know):
https://www.stardock.com/support/productkeyretrieval
Fences is not starting after boot
Fences should have two entries in Taskmanager / Startup:
Ensuring that both are 'Enabled' will ensure Fences starts at boot under all users.
My icons are missing
First, as a test, disable the quick-hide feature:
If you find that disabling the quick hide brought your icons back, you can re-enable it and then double click on the desktop to bring the fences/icons back. Another double click would hide them again.
If this does not help you, another thing to check is if you are using Windows 7 or greater, please make sure you may have not inadvertently put the Fence on an alternate Desktop using Desktop pages.
You can disable Desktop pages to see if your Fence \ Icon is returned to your main desktop:
If you find that disabling desktop pages brings your icons back, this means that they were likely on another page. If you wish to use the desktop pages function, you can re-enable it and then switch to the page that your icon/fence is on by using the instructions in the highlighted box above. If you want to move your icon/fence back to where the others are, you can drag it to the edge of the screen in the direction your main page is and it will switch pages.
Shortcuts or icons are being sent to the wrong monitor
If you have shortcuts or icons you create that are not being sent to the "Primary" monitor while using Fences, please follow the instructions below.
Double check your display settings to make sure your primary monitor is set correctly.
Example:
(If it is not the primary, you will see a checkbox to set it as primary)
If your primary monitor is set correctly, you may have a registry entry with an incorrect key.
If you're comfortable with editing your registry, open regedit.exe, to see if Fences has your "PrimaryMonitorLast" set to your actual primary:
I cannot switch between desktop pages
You must first have an icon or a Fence on an alternate Desktop Page before you can navigate to it. See the 'How to move icons or fences between desktop' help option in Fences to see how to do this:
I cannot move, resize, or access the options of my fences
It could be that the Fences are locked. Try right clicking on an empty area of the desktop and then do the following.
Once that has been done, see if you can use the controls on the fence or move or resize it.
If this does not help, make sure you have the latest version of Fences installed. The latest installer can be accessed when you sign into your account here: https://store.stardock.com/myaccount/products
Why are my folder portals empty sometimes
Fences can sometimes have trouble with network shortcuts on the desktop when the destination is no longer available (you are not on that network any longer or Fences starts prior to the network location being available).
I may have a work-around for you if you have networked shortcuts on your desktop. Please refer to the video and instructions below:
https://sd.stardock.com/sean/JingImages/2015-09-04_1654.swf
Step 1: Create a folder on your local PC; in Documents is as good as any
Step 2: Create a Fences folder portal to that local folder you just created (not to a network location). It, at this time, is empty.
Step 3: Go to the network location and create shortcuts to the data \ app you want.
Step 4: Move the shortcuts to the folder on the local PC... or.. directly into the portal (same destination).
The difference here is that the network shortcuts are not on the desktop but are on the local PC.
Fences compatibility with Wallpaper Engine (WPE)
-
Fences 3.12 or greater is required for WPE compatibility.
Self Support Options
Fences Clean Boot
Prior to continuing, I'd like to make sure the issue you are encountering is not occurring as a result of an application conflict. The best way to proceed would be to try loading under a new Window's Administrator account and in a "clean boot" state.
Create a new Windows Administrator (<--important that its an Administrator) account:
Windows 7:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-user-account#create-user-account=windows-7
Windows 10:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/create-a-local-user-account-in-windows-10
Windows 8:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-user-account#create-user-account=windows-8
Log in under that account and try. If it fails, and while still under that account, please click the link below for performing a 'clean boot' under it:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/929135
Keep the Fences entry enabled:
https://sd.stardock.com/sean/JingImages/2016-07-28_1539.png
After you've loaded Windows in a clean state, please try once again.
Test in Windows Sandbox
In an effort to create a clean install environment without having to reformat your system, Windows 10 & 11 Pro have a "VM" (Virtual Machine) like feature called Windows Sandbox. This will replicate a freshly installed operating system without any other software installed. This is a great way to test to see if other programs are conflicting with Stardock products.
The following guide, will walk you through the steps to enable Windows Sandbox:
https://pureinfotech.com/enable-windows-sandbox-windows-10/
After Sandbox is setup, install and activate your Stardock product to see if the issue you are having is also being reproduce in this fresh environment or if it is working properly in this mode.
NOTE: If you have a single activation Stardock product, you will be asked if you want to deactivate your other PC to proceed installing in the Sandbox environment. After finishing with the test, you will eventually be asked to activate on your other PC again and can do so.
Purging and re-installing
The following tool will purge the application for a possible re-install (if that is the goal).
**IMPORTANT** Please save any open documents/work and close out all of your applications including browsers. Your PC may restart after running this .bat file.
Please follow this link:
https://cdn.stardock.us/support/uploads/Purge_Fences.zip
Save the file to your desktop, right-click it and select "Run as Administrator" if you're on Vista/7/8/8.1/10
If you are running Windows 8/10, you may be notified that Windows is protecting your PC. Select "More info" and then "Run anyway".
Reboot the computer and reinstall the application. It is important to get the most recent version of the application.
For trials:
Please ensure you have the most recent trial available:
https://www.stardock.com/products/
For Stardock direct purchases:
For getting your product and key, please see the following:
https://www.stardock.com/support/productkeyretrieval
For Steam Purchases:
Even after using the purge file, you still need to use the 'uninstall' option:
Then re-Install from Steam and Steam only.
Please DO NOT change any of the default settings until you verify that the application is running as expected in its default state.
Fences Extended Crash Reporting
This should only be done if directed to do so by a Stardock support representative.
As with any app, there will be crashes. When Fences becomes unstable, some users will see such a message indicating a crash:
Some may never see this but have Windows Explorer crash (which Fences run under) for no apparent reason.
To help see if Fences is the cause, Fences has the capability to capture more data when there are crashes.
To enable it, the Fences registry needs to be changed. One can do so by downloading and running this registry edit file:
https://cdn.stardock.us/support/uploads/FencesAllCrashesNew.zip
Opening this file will add a registry entry:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Stardock\Fences]
"ReportAllCrashes"=dword:00000001
"CrashReportingEnabled"=dword:00000001
Which will ensure any crash in explorer will be captured by Fences. Thereafter, if you can reproduce the crash, it will be logged here:
C:\Users\YourWindowsAccountName\AppData\Roaming\Stardock\Fences\TroubleshootingLog
YourWindowsAccountName is the name of the Windows account you are using.
Zip up that entire folder, upload it to a cloud drive service (GoogleDrive, OneDrive, DropBox, etc), and provide a shared link to it in the thread you reported the crash(s) in or in the ticket you created.
This should also trigger the 'BugSplat' prompt. Please also fill it out and use the email address for the forum account here so we can look them up as well.
Manually Collecting Crash Dumps
If you are experiencing crashes that you believe are caused by Fences, we would really like a dump file from a crash if you are willing to use WinDBG to capture it.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/windbg-preview/9pgjgd53tn86?activetab=pivot:overviewtab
Once installed, you would make it the default postmortem debugger (click for larger image):
When a crash happens, it will pop WinDBG and PC could become rather slow while it works through it.
Example of what you would type there using your Windows account name instead of 'sdrohan':
.dump /mf c:\users\sdrohan\desktop\Fences_RiverComb_04062022.dmp
The dump command (with the period), the /mf switch, where you want it put, and a name that indicates what app
that it's yours, and the date.
When it is done, you can click the red 'Stop Debugging' button:
It will likely be BIG, perhaps hundreds of MBs. If you could zip it, upload it to a cloud drive service, and paste a shared link in a thread (existing or new), that would be much appreciated.
