Fences 5.5 New Layout Engine Thread

from Stardock Forums

As noted in its changelog, Fences 5.53 includes a new layout engine to better accommodate multi-monitor \ multi-resolution scenarios. 

This thread is for reporting any issues encountered with it and how to best troubleshoot and report issues.

Multi-monitor enhancements

Prior to Fences 5.53, likely the most popular setting for monitor management in Fences was:

'Store my Fences' positions on a per-screen-resolution basis'

Starting with Fences 5.53, a new option was added:

'Store my layout on a per-monitor-configuration-basis'


For more on why we added it, and what it helps solve, please see:

https://forums.stardock.com/528046/get;3931457

This new option will be enabled by default for new installs ONLY.  Anyone installing 5.53 (or later) over a prior version of Fences would need to enable it manually.  The decision to not enable it for existing installations was not to disrupt anything a client has set.

That said, we are monitoring reports where the old setting was indeed preserved, however, its behavior for its renamed setting (Preserve my layout by scaling my Fences groups), may not be rendering Fences and layout as it once had.

In any event, the goal for this effort is to get the new setting to work as the default for most all monitor counts, resolutions, and connection types.

Troubleshooting

If you are having issues with monitor configurations with Fences 5.53 (or later):

  1. In Fences, enable 'Store my layout on a per-monitor-configuartion basis'.
  2. Connect as many monitors as you can have daily.  Meaning, if you normally would have 1 monitor connected, but could often have 3, please set the stage with 3.
  3. If necessary, resize and reposition your Fences as you see fit - including any on other monitors.
  4. Save a 'Backup in Fences (formerly called 'Shapshot') with a name that is descriptive of the state - 'My 3 Monitor setup' for example. 
  5. Reboot the PC, keeping it in that same state (3 monitors for example)

    NOTE:     With the new option set, upon reboot, there may indeed be a short delay between when the desktop is rendered and when Fences arranges the desktop.  In other words, if you reboot and things do not immediately seem correct, give it a few seconds before suspecting something is wrong. The same goes for connecting \ disconnecting monitors - Fences will take a moment to ensure Windows is done registering everything before it acts.

  6. Does it reboot with Fences scaled correctly and in the position you expected (and saved)?
  7. If you change the resolution of any of the monitors, do the Fences scale (same proportional size) properly?
  8. If you move or resize Fences, and restore the snapshot, does it restore them properly?

Please repeat steps 3-8 for any subset of monitors you could have, creating a snapshot for each (2 and 1 in this hypothetical scenario).

Reporting an issue

When reporting an issue, we want as much information as possible.  

  • Exact Windows version (winver.exe). Example:


  • Exact Fences version
  • Monitor count
  • The exact connection type for each monitor
  • If any adaptors are used to bridge monitors (a docking station for example or USB-C to HDMI connector).
  • Exact steps to reliably and constantly reproduce the issue.  For example '
    Perhaps 1 out of 10 reboots, Fences are messed up when [insert conditions: monitor count, connection type, resolution, coming out of a game, etc]'
  • And the results of a 'Backup' restore - does it work to restore your Fences \ icons properly when used.
fences
35,770 views 18 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Known issues

While we appreciate all feedback, please remember that we offer no official support for beta \ preview \ developer channel versions of Windows. If you report issues while in any of those early release channels, you should not expect them to be addressed unless it still exists in a retail version of Windows.

  • We are monitoring reports where the old setting ('Store my Fences' positions on a per-screen-resolution basis') was indeed preserved with an installation of Fences 5.53, however, its behavior for its renamed setting (Preserve my layout by scaling my Fences groups), may not be rendering Fences and layout as it once had.
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

***Reserved***

Curtains - Customize Windows with additional styles
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

DP monitor

===Fences MultiMon Debug Log===

===Time: 1715568159, UpTime 20500===

==Display Devices===

Monitor: \\.\DISPLAY1\Monitor0, ID: \\?\DISPLAY#PHL090B#4&2a735f64&1&UID249395#{e6f07b5f-ee97-4a90-b076-33f57bf4eaa7}, Key: \Registry\Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4d36e96e-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318}\0004, String: Philips 328P6V (31.5inch Wide LCD MONITOR ), State: 3, (0, 0 / 3840 x 2160)

 

===Monitors (1; 0,0; 3840x2160)===

Monitor: \\.\DISPLAY1, IsPrimary: 1, DPI: 120, (0, 0 / 3840 x 2160)

 

===Groups===

0-9|1802|1|570|686|0|DT-Ham` |\\.\DISPLAY1` |0|0|3840|2160|0|0|255|0|E:\DT-Ham` |-1|1|1|1|1|{3549BEB9-61AB-41A3-816B-5DD2C937E573}|

1-10|1365|1|436|633|0|PAT` |\\.\DISPLAY1` |0|0|3840|2160|0|0|255|0|E:\PAT` |-1|1|1|1|1|{AE939787-689C-442A-94C4-F07EAB2C86C8}|

2-12|2373|1|720|886|0|Current`Art` |\\.\DISPLAY1` |0|0|3840|2160|0|0|255|0|D:\Current`Art` |-1|1|1|1|1|{A919B577-4AEE-4887-911A-FE6E864C5829}|

3-13|3094|1|684|801|0|Utes` |\\.\DISPLAY1` |0|0|3840|2160|0|0|255|0|D:\Utes` |-1|1|1|1|1|{36079613-DDEA-481A-B12D-E8B8FEC0E7F3}|

 

===Settings===

AdjustGroupsForResolution=1

AdjustGroupsForResolution_FollowPrimary=0

StoreGroupDataPerResolution=1

IconSizeLast=54

LastIconSpacingX=122

LastIconSpacingY=122

DesktopGrid=1

DesktopAutoArrange=0

ResolutionLast=[0|0|3840|2160|1|\\.\DISPLAY1];

 

When i power off monitor then return windows still running. when i repower monitor

the 4 fences group together on top of each other on the top left side of PC screen,

Did not happen in Previous Version, only this current V5.53

Unlock fences reposition, then relock

 

Further comparing 2 log files.

I see multi monitor log showing 

===Monitors (1; 0,0; 1024x768)===

Monitor: \\.\DISPLAY1, IsPrimary: 1, DPI: 96, (0, 0 / 1024 x 768)

 

Its only the fences that group rest of display is normal full screen.

Thanks

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Have you try the troubleshooting steps suggested above?

Thank you.
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting patriciaaw, reply 3

===Settings===

AdjustGroupsForResolution=1
End of patriciaaw's quote

patriciaaw, when you get time, please follow the 'Troubleshooting' section detailed in the initial post

https://forums.stardock.com/528229/page/1/#3932479:~:text=and%20connection%20types.-,Troubleshooting,-If%20you%20are

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Still a work in progress, as per settings altered as per suggestion. 

Turning off the second monitor at this point appears to has resolved one issue, further testing.

The 2nd Monitor is not used as instant display Windows, only utilised for Streaming and used as required for display.

Most annoying as it was not an issue in Previous versions.

 

Further inspection the suggested set per display has resolved the fences moving and grouping to one side.

thanks you.

 

 

 

 

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

I have repeated the steps in the troubleshooting thread three or four times, but this has not resolved the issue. Only the very first Fence is affected, and only after the hard drives go to sleep, which is after one hour of non-use.

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Anoobi, reply 7

I have repeated the steps in the troubleshooting thread three or four times, but this has not resolved the issue. Only the very first Fence is affected, and only after the hard drives go to sleep, which is after one hour of non-use.
End of Anoobi's quote

What issue, Anoobi? You have nothing detailed in this thread.  Please see all that we need for a report.

https://forums.stardock.com/528229/page/1/#3932745:~:text=this%20hypothetical%20scenario).-,Reporting%20an%20issue,-When%20reporting%20an

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

I have the exact same problem and try the mentioned setting.

By the way... you should update your language files... this is a very crazy mix with german an english 🫣

 


As noted in its changelog, Fences 5.53 includes a new layout engine to better accommodate multi-monitor \ multi-resolution scenarios. 

This thread is for reporting any issues encountered with it and how to best troubleshoot and report issues.

Multi-monitor enhancements

Prior to Fences 5.53, likely the most popular setting for monitor management in Fences was:

'Store my Fences' positions on a per-screen-resolution basis'



Starting with Fences 5.53, a new option was added:

'Store my layout on a per-monitor-configuration-basis'


For more on why we added it, and what it helps solve, please see:

https://forums.stardock.com/528046/get;3931457

This new option will be enabled by default for new installs ONLY.  Anyone installing 5.53 (or later) over a prior version of Fences would need to enable it manually.  The decision to not enable it for existing installations was not to disrupt anything a client has set.

That said, we are monitoring reports where the old setting was indeed preserved, however, its behavior for its renamed setting (Preserve my layout by scaling my Fences groups), may not be rendering Fences and layout as it once had.

In any event, the goal for this effort is to get the new setting to work as the default for most all monitor counts, resolutions, and connection types.

Troubleshooting

If you are having issues with monitor configurations with Fences 5.53 (or later):

 

    1. In Fences, enable 'Store my layout on a per-monitor-configuartion basis'.

 

    1. Connect as many monitors as you can have daily.  Meaning, if you normally would have 1 monitor connected, but could often have 3, please set the stage with 3.

 

    1. If necessary, resize and reposition your Fences as you see fit - including any on other monitors.

 

    1. Save a 'Backup in Fences (formerly called 'Shapshot') with a name that is descriptive of the state - 'My 3 Monitor setup' for example. 

 

    1. Reboot the PC, keeping it in that same state (3 monitors for example)

      NOTE:       With the new option set, upon reboot, there may indeed be a short delay between when the desktop is rendered and when Fences arranges the desktop.  In other words, if you reboot and things do not immediately seem correct, give it a few seconds before suspecting something is wrong. The same goes for connecting \ disconnecting monitors - Fences will take a moment to ensure Windows is done registering everything before it acts.

 

    1. Does it reboot with Fences scaled correctly and in the position you expected (and saved)?

 

    1. If you change the resolution of any of the monitors, do the Fences scale (same proportional size) properly?

 

    1. If you move or resize Fences, and restore the snapshot, does it restore them properly?

 


Please repeat steps 3-8 for any subset of monitors you could have, creating a snapshot for each (2 and 1 in this hypothetical scenario).

Reporting an issue

When reporting an issue, we want as much information as possible.  

 

    • Exact Windows version (winver.exe). Example:


 

    • Exact Fences version

 

    • Monitor count

 

    • The exact connection type for each monitor

 

    • If any adaptors are used to bridge monitors (a docking station for example or USB-C to HDMI connector).

 

    • Exact steps to reliably and constantly reproduce the issue.  For example '

      Perhaps 1 out of 10 reboots, Fences are messed up when [insert conditions: monitor count, connection type, resolution, coming out of a game, etc]'

 

    • And the results of a 'Backup' restore - does it work to restore your Fences \ icons properly when used.

 


End of quote

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

Ha– @CrazyMC, agreed! We'll be doing another localization pass in September as some strings re-settle.

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi Thanks for your trouble Shooting hints. But nothing helped.

 

Here is my Protokol:

 

- In Fences, enable 'Store my layout on a per-monitor-configuartion basis'.

I did that and also tried to change it save it and then switch it back. Does not help. See Screenshot: https://prnt.sc/-W7wra0KW_mY

 

- Connect as many monitors as you can have daily.  Meaning, if you normally would have 1 monitor connected, but could often have 3, please set the stage with 3.

I do not need to add or remove monitors, as I ALWAYS have 2 monitors in the same position. And I do not know how to "set the stage".

 

- If necessary, resize and reposition your Fences as you see fit - including any on other monitors.

After Updating and now after each restart I have to reposition my fences, as the now Pile up on the upper edge.

 

- Save a 'Backup in Fences (formerly called 'Shapshot') with a name that is descriptive of the state - 'My 3 Monitor setup' for example. 

Reboot the PC, keeping it in that same state (3 monitors for example)

There is NO option to name backups! But I did do a Backup/Snapshot after rearranging the fences to there original position, but even then a restart brings them back to the piled up on the edge position and when I try to open a backup/snapshot that shows them in the right position, nothing changes.

 

- Does it reboot with Fences scaled correctly and in the position you expected (and saved)?

No. As described above.

 

- If you change the resolution of any of the monitors, do the Fences scale (same proportional size) properly?

No Resolution changes do not affect the "Piled up at the upper edge of monitor 1" state.

 

- If you move or resize Fences, and restore the snapshot, does it restore them properly?

No Resizing Fences does not affect the "Piled up at the upper edge of monitor 1" state.

 

 

I also uninstalled Fences and reinstalled it, but the "Piled up at the upper edge of monitor 1" state can not be changed

 

I also used the adjust display button: https://prnt.sc/d2ouxvlXJuda

The indication of monitors is correct. When I press the SWAP Button it changes my Fences position between 3 States: 1. Piled and closed on top edge of Monitor 2. Piled but open on lower edge of monitor 1 3. Piled but open on lower edge of monitor 2

 

 

 

Winver:

https://prnt.sc/7NDbJf61mPo6

 

Fences Version:

https://prnt.sc/mGDihh22MwxP

 

Monitor count

2 Each 5120x2160 Monitor 1 on top of monitor 2 - Consistent Setup I never change that setup

 

Monitor Connection

Each: 8k DisplayPort 2 Cable

No Adapters

 

Reproduce:

This happens ALWAYS

 

Restore Backup

Nothing changes with the wrong "Piled up at the upper edge of monitor 1" state, when I restore a backup that shows the correct constellation in the backup screenshot.

 

 

 

Here is a set of all other Fence Settings I have active or not:

 

Welcome:

https://prnt.sc/JOhsN2YZjl59

 

Chameleon

https://prnt.sc/uL8LNYHwXKNY

 

Personlization

https://prnt.sc/IfGleURR6pBF

 

Folder Portals:

There are no settings

 

Peek

https://prnt.sc/jH-LSUknjjSp

 

Vanish

https://prnt.sc/yL68dEeGXi6h

 

Rollup

https://prnt.sc/lyUWbXbTOdTr

 

Pages

https://prnt.sc/-G-QcFn0xc2q

 

Rules

https://prnt.sc/TzBtKBsOlTHG

 

As you can see I basicly disabled all additional functionality

 

So how to fix this?

 

If you can not fix this send me an installer to an old version prior to 5.5

 

Thanks

 

Sascha

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting sakodock2, reply 12

Hi Thanks for your trouble Shooting hints. But nothing helped.
 
End of sakodock2's quote

Please see:

https://forums.stardock.com/529991/thread-for-ipooped-and-his-monitor-issues-with-fences-581

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

I just upgraded to Fences 5.81 and now the position of my groups changes each time I login.  I have a 3 monitor setup and the option to 'Store my layout on a per-monitorconfiguration basis' is checked. (this has never been changed by me). How can I downgrade to my earlier version? Thanks.

Windows 10, Fences 5.81.

Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top

There have been a few users reporting issues with this recently – we're working on a special build to output more debug information, to hopefully move this forward. Please stay tuned thank you!

Reply #16 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting sdrohan, reply 13


Quoting sakodock2,
reply 12

Hi Thanks for your trouble Shooting hints. But nothing helped.
 



Please see:

https://forums.stardock.com/529991/thread-for-ipooped-and-his-monitor-issues-with-fences-581

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

End of sdrohan's quote

 

Wow. What a ton of troubleshooting and reporting tips! My first comment would be the same as the one of the threadstarter: "lol".

But what I can say: I am not using "Scaling: 150% (Recommended)" I use "Scaling: 100%"

All the other stuff is too much for me and should be done in your own testing environments.

Thanks!

Sascha

Reply #17 from Stardock Forums Top

I downgraded to Fences 5.04 and the issue went away.  Groups stay where they are put.

5.81 moves groups to the bottom of my primary (laptop) monitor each time I log in.

Primary Monitor 1920x1080 100%
Second Monitor 1920x1200 100% (Positioned directly above primary monitor)
Third Monitor 2560x1440 100% (Positioned to the right of the primary/secondary monitors)

Thanks

Reply #18 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello all.

If you have issue when using Fences v5.81. Please refer to this thread: https://forums.stardock.com/529991. There is a new version out Fences v5.82. If you wish to help with v5.81 issue, you should try this version.  And report any of your finding in that thread.

There is a direct link in this thread to Install for V5.82.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant