Fences 4 update has broken it: No longer works

Chaps

I was prompted for a Fences 4 update today.  After install, Fences no longer functions: RMB on the desktop has an Enable Fences at the top, but it enables nothing.  Have uninstalled and reinstalled from the My Downloads area, but same problem. What now?

 

32,076 views 31 replies
Reply #1 Top

Take a look in task manager Start Up

There will be 2 instances of Fences make

sure they are both enabled .

Reboot test and report back.

AzDude

Reply #2 Top

They were.  Rebooted anyway.  Desktop a mess of fences and icons outside them, but can't move anything. LMB and RMB on Desktop show nothing but create fence options.  Complete mess. I am uninstalling again

Reply #3 Top

If you right click on your desktop to View

and scroll down to Lock Fences if its checked

un check it then you should be able to move at will.

Reply #4 Top

And have.  Await guidance to ensure all is removed, then I will reinstall

This was a clean windows install three days ago. I spend more time diagnosing issues with this software than actually using it

 

Reply #5 Top

No, it's totally messed up, as I said - the only RMB options were the create fence ones, even without dragging a fence.  Like the interface to fences is corrupted and frozen

 

Reply #6 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 #7 Top

If you can open the Fences config, make sure this is checked. 

If not, check it, reboot, and if you get a popup, fill it out and send it.  Reply here that you have please.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #8 Top

Thank you so so much, I ran the update and now all my icons on the desktop is gone.

Fence says its not installed, i cant reinstall it, comes with an error that some file exists and running which i cant see anywhere.

Under add and remove programs, fence doesnt exist, is there any way that you can rollback the upgrade, so i can get this back please.

 

Now all my work icons are gone as i have no icons on my screen at all.

 

How do i get this back ?

Reply #9 Top

Quoting DanScout, reply 8

Now all my work icons are gone as i have no icons on my screen at all.
End of DanScout's quote

They are not gone, you likely just have this unchecked:

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #10 Top

Hi sdRohan,

 

Thanks for that, that gave me the icons back, phew...

 

Now its just a matter of getting fences to work again, i only have the enable fences at the top of the menu, where it normally says configure fences.

I cant reinstall or remove the old program as it doesnt exits under add remove programs :(

 

Danscout

Reply #11 Top

Quoting DanScout, reply 10

Hi sdRohan,

 

Thanks for that, that gave me the icons back, phew...

 

Now its just a matter of getting fences to work again, i only have the enable fences at the top of the menu, where it normally says configure fences.

I cant reinstall or remove the old program as it doesnt exits under add remove programs :(

 

Danscout
End of DanScout's quote

If you have not already, try the purge and then reinstall:

https://forums.stardock.com/486084/fences-support-faq#reinstalling

Sean

 

 

Reply #12 Top

Thanks for that, i have now tried several reboots, several running of the purge bat file (as admin) and still not being able to reinstall.

 

Here are some snips.

I have tried it with this enabled and disabled, same result.

So yeah, still no fences working after the upgrade.

Danscout

Reply #13 Top

I have a license on Machine A.  I'm about to move to Machine B.  I downloaded your latest version onto Machine B, which is a completely clean W10 install.  21H1 19043 Build.  I click Enable but it never enables and doesn't work - its like it isn't there.  Nothing I've seen in Event Log.  Just doesn't work.  Installed V3.1.3.3 after uninstalling latest.  It works.  So it isn't one user.

Reply #14 Top

Quoting garryggreen, reply 13

So it isn't one user.
End of garryggreen's quote

It would be two with the same result but not likely the same cause.

I would need a cleanboot done on each PC regardless of how new any OS install is:

https://forums.stardock.com/486084/fences-support-faq#cleanboot

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #15 Top

Same exact thing is happening to me.  Fences 4 simply won't activate even though installation appears to go fine.  When I uninstall 4 and install Fences 3 it works.  I'm on Windows 11, new install.  Definitely is a Fences 4 thing.

Reply #16 Top

Quoting RobLipton, reply 15

Same exact thing is happening to me.  Fences 4 simply won't activate even though installation appears to go fine.  When I uninstall 4 and install Fences 3 it works.  I'm on Windows 11, new install.  Definitely is a Fences 4 thing.
End of RobLipton's quote

If it were a systemic 'Fences 4 thing', we would have a metric ton of reports - we don't. 

Did you do the cleanboot, Rob?

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

  

Reply #17 Top

I've also reinstalled 3 successfully.  I've spent way too much time on this s/w in recent months, attempting to support problem diagnosis: I just need it to work

Reply #18 Top

I can't get Fences 4 to work either. (Win 11 home with all updates installed) Have reinstalled 3 times without success. NOTHING. It simply does not load. Only thing I can do is change settings. I just want a refund. There are no true answers to this problem on this forum where support told me to go. How would a crash report even help when it's not loading? 

Reply #19 Top

Quoting MMCO, reply 18

I just want a refund.
End of MMCO's quote

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. For refund, please raise support ticket using the link below, Include all information details. Remember to record down the ticket number for future reference if needed. Do not raise multiple ticket, that will make your ticket back to the end of the line. Send once and wait. Ticket will be answer by the order they send in.

https://stardock.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4 

Thanks
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #20 Top

I uninstalled Fences 3, rebooted, installed Fences 4 and it's still not working.  When I then uninstall 4 and reinstall 3...Fences 3 works.  Not sure what's going on.  At this point I'm prob just gonna stick to Fences 3 and get a refund for the Fences 4 upgrade.

Reply #22 Top

I use Windows 2019 with the latest Windows update and upgraded from Fences 3 to Fences 4. Got 10 licences. A lot of servers work, but 3 servers don't. 

Reply #23 Top

Quoting support437, reply 22

I use Windows 2019 with the latest Windows update and upgraded from Fences 3 to Fences 4. Got 10 licences. A lot of servers work, but 3 servers don't. 
End of support437's quote

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 #24 Top

Also having fences not working properly. Similar descriptions. It's in startup section as running. Can see activate fences in the right click menu. Dragging new fence to create doesn't work. No fences visible at all on desktop. Icons everywhere (HAHA).

Also tried a restore snapshot. Tried all suggestions here from mod/dev. No luck.

Windows Version 21H2 Build 220000.978

Fences 4.0.7.2

Reply #25 Top

Just to update you. Purge and reinstall appear to have worked. I will update if I run into further issues related to this purge / re-install.