Desktop screen periodically turns to black behind Windows screen image

from Stardock Forums

Hi, tried to research this, saw the issue on an old post where it doesn't appear that a solution was found. Wondering if others can help with this: the desktop periodically turns to black (see image). To get back to normal, all I need to do is right-click settings or "personalize" and it instantly reverts. But it happens ALL THE TIME so it's a semi-constant annoyance. Has anyone figured this one out yet?? Note: I've used Fences without issues for years on both my desktop and laptops....just got a new laptop and desktop; laptop no issues, new desktop, this is happening all the time. Thanks for any help. 

fences
14,817 views 18 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,

Sorry to hear you are having issues.

What version of Windows ( full numbered version ) use winver.exe for that info

What version of Fences ?

 


AzDude
Stardock Community Assistant

Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Hello,

Would you do this PURGE: https://forums.stardock.com/486084/fences-support-faq#reinstalling

Reboot and ReInstall the latest version from your account here https://store.stardock.com/myaccount/products/

Reboot , test and report back please ..

 

AzDude
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

I tried to do as you say, but I keep getting this message below. Note: I've tried rebooting twice to make sure nothing else is running. 

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Okay, obviously I have an administrator account of my own; are they suggested I create another one, just to test this out? Then I can delete it afterwards? 

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

Okay, so I tried the clean boot idea: created the local admin account (through "family and other users"), but signing in to it means going through the whole Windows setup....I cannot believe that's what is being suggesting here. I am NOT going to go through this whole process....it's really involved.  Back in my regular admin account, at the moment Fences in installed but not configured. What I have is a desktop with everything in Fences general order, but no fences. 

Not sure how to proceed at this point.

(btw I accidentally created a duplicate response here....can't see any way to delete a response.....puzzling.) 

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

Still having the problem. Periodically. Here you can see a shot of task managers - startup tab which shows that there are two fences settings listed. Is it supposed to be that way? You'll notice I have the top one enabled and the other disabled, as someone else suggested I tried to disabling them but disabling both just gets rid of Fences entirely. So I am trying enabling one and leaving the other disabled. Please clarify what's going on here. And thank you for the help!

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

Both must be enabled .

Enabled both and reboot please.

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

Sorry, didn't attach the image but it's moot anyway, as you indicate they both should be there and enabled. I enabled both and rebooted.....I'll report back if/when the issue crops up again.....hopefully it won't. I appreciate your timely follow-through; I don't know if you're an employee or volunteer, but regardless, your help is appreciated. 

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Employee , Good to hear though ..

Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting docc86, reply 6

Okay, obviously I have an administrator account of my own; are they suggested I create another one, just to test this out? Then I can delete it afterwards?
End of docc86's quote
No, that's not it. Creating a new account with administrator rights will do nothing for you. Windows already have a hidden administrator account. You can see how to enable/disable it here: Link

It's ready for use in a couple of minutes.

Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting docc86, reply 2

Hi, thanks for responding. It's Windows 10, Fences version 3.1.3.3.
End of docc86's quote

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Need more information:

  1. Please tell us the full version numbers of your Windows 10. You can use Windows "Winver.exe" to get those numbers.
  2. Do you have any wallpaper manager running in the background. ie like Wallpaper Engine or Deskscape?
  3. Does the issue happen if you change to Single color wallpaper? Right click on desktop-> Personalize-> Background-> Solid Color.

Thanks
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top

Jan Oscar: Thanks for this info, though not sure about what to do with it. The "clean boot" option did not work (though not 100% sure if I did it properly, w, it was a little confusing in terms of procedure.) However, AZ specified I MUST create a new admin account, so that's what I tried to do. 

Reply #16 from Stardock Forums Top

Windows 10 Pro: "Build 19041.1237"     I'm not using Deskscape or Wallpaper Engine; I never installed these but checked to be sure anyway. I switched to "solid color" to test it. I'm thinking what is actually happening might be that Windows is getting switched to solid color black, which is what the default color was. Note: I said originally that the black was behind and around Fences (see attached image) but now what happens is I get the solid black color on the desktop. I selected a different solid color, so if it starts switching to that new color, well, we know the issue is that Fences (presumably) is switching the desktop from Picture to Solid Color.  

Reply #17 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,

I have forwarded your report to the Stardock support team for their review and recommendations.

Please keep an eye on this thread for any updates.

We really do appreciate your feedback, thanks.

Reply #18 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting docc86, reply 16

I selected a different solid color, so if it starts switching to that new color, well, we know the issue is that Fences (presumably) is switching the desktop from Picture to Solid Color.  
End of docc86's quote

Do let us know.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager