Roll-up Fences - title bars are are not snapping back to the borders and are getting buried behind my other fences

from Stardock Forums

I have several fences that are set to rollup, so that they will expand and collapse down to the top of my taskbar.  Almost every time I restart the computer, or even occassionally when I lock it and re-login, the titlebars for these rolled-up fences start at the location where they should be when the fence is expanded, and thus start off buried behind other fences that I have defined on my desktop.  To fix it, I have to 1) move the fence that it's buried behind out of the way; 2) move the rollup fence a little bit; then 3) put it back into position; and then it rolls up properly.  This essentially makes the rollup function worthless because it is not worth having to fix all the time.

I believe this is a legitimate bug.  Is anyone else having this issue?  Is there a fix, or can Stardock enter this as a bug to be fixed?

Moved to Correct Category: Fences

stardock software fences
17,062 views 24 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

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

  1. Windows full version and OS Build number. Please use Winver.exe
  2. Fences full version number.
  3. Monitor/s resolution and scale factors (100%, 125%, 300% etc)
  4. Post a video on this issue happening would help us understand your issue.
  5. Does the issue always happen upon reboot, does it also happen when your system wake from sleep?
  6. When it happen, if you do restore backup/layout snapshot does the issue goes away?
  7. When it happen, if you do restart Explorer.exe does the layout correct itself?

Thank you.
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

I have a similar issue, The fences layout are not setting when I restart/turn on my PC and I have to drag them back to my desired locations, I have tried manually taking a snap shot which it seems to do but when I try to restore the layout, it doesn't, Details are:

  1. Windows full version and OS Build number. Please use Winver.exe
    23H2(OS Build 22631.4112)
  2. Fences full version number.
    5.81
  3. Monitor/s resolution and scale factors (100%, 125%, 300% etc)
    Samsung LC49G95TSSUXEN 5120 x 1440
  4. Post a video on this issue happening would help us understand your issue.
    Nothing to see, just a 'default layout' (Image attached)
  5. Does the issue always happen upon reboot, does it also happen when your system wake from sleep?
    Always on reboot but fine when hibernated (don't use sleep)
  6. When it happen, if you do restore backup/layout snapshot does the issue goes away?
    No
  7. When it happen, if you do restart Explorer.exe does the layout correct itself?
    No

Regards,

David Gollings

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

Quoting 2l8m8Basher, reply 2

I have a similar issue, The fences layout are not setting when I restart/turn on my PC and I have to drag them back to my desired locations, I have tried manually taking a snap shot which it seems to do but when I try to restore the layout, it doesn't, Details are:

    1. Windows full version and OS Build number. Please use Winver.exe
      23H2(OS Build 22631.4112)
    1. Fences full version number.
      5.81
    1. Monitor/s resolution and scale factors (100%, 125%, 300% etc)
      Samsung LC49G95TSSUXEN 5120 x 1440
    1. Post a video on this issue happening would help us understand your issue.
      Nothing to see, just a 'default layout' (Image attached)
    1. Does the issue always happen upon reboot, does it also happen when your system wake from sleep?
      Always on reboot but fine when hibernated (don't use sleep)
    1. When it happen, if you do restore backup/layout snapshot does the issue goes away?
      No
    1. When it happen, if you do restart Explorer.exe does the layout correct itself?
      No

Regards,

David Gollings

End of 2l8m8Basher's quote

Hello David,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Still need to know your monitor scale factor (100%, 200%, 300%).

Also, please try update to latest build and see if the issue still there. Latest test build available in this thread: Fences 5.82 Rev 5: https://forums.stardock.com/529991.

Thank you.
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Sorry, scale is 100%

I'll try the update and let you know.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting 2l8m8Basher, reply 2

I have a similar issue, The fences layout are not setting when I restart/turn on my PC and I have to drag them back to my desired locations
End of 2l8m8Basher's quote

Hi 2l8m8Basher, I think we have a copy ready that fixes this issue. Could you try installing the copy at https://cdn.stardock.us/support/uploads/Fences5_5.8.2.5-j132-Setup.exe , rebooting, then doing this routine a couple times over of (1) make a layout backup (2) make some changes (3) wait a few seconds (4) make another backup (5) reboot

I'm hoping this build fixes the issue – but regardless of if it it fixes it or not, after doing the steps above could you also submit your debug data so that we can see what either did or did not work, regarding the fix? Instructions are at the top of https://forums.stardock.com/529991/page/1 to submit debug data. (Which, essentially just looks like the below, and then uploading that file to us in the page that comes up.) Hope this resolves it and thanks for the help either way.

image-20240823-162714.png

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
  1. Windows full version and OS Build number. Please use Winver.exe  Per Winver: Windows 11 (Pro) version 23H2 (OS Build 22631.4037).
  2. Fences full version number.  Fences version 4.22
  3. Monitor/s resolution and scale factors (100%, 125%, 300% etc)  Surface Pro 7 screen, 2736x1824, 200% scale
  4. Post a video on this issue happening would help us understand your issue.  I don't have one but will try to capture a video or screen shot.
  5. Does the issue always happen upon reboot, does it also happen when your system wake from sleep?  On reboot for sure.  On wakeup I think so, but I'm not positive.
  6. When it happen, if you do restore backup/layout snapshot does the issue goes away?  I have not tried this.  I just move the fence up a little, and then back down to snap to the task bar and then it's fixed.
  7. When it happen, if you do restart Explorer.exe does the layout correct itself?  I have not tried this but I will when it next happens.
Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
Quoting mickbadal, reply 6
  1. Windows full version and OS Build number. Please use Winver.exe  Per Winver: Windows 11 (Pro) version 23H2 (OS Build 22631.4037).
  2. Fences full version number.  Fences version 4.22
  3. Monitor/s resolution and scale factors (100%, 125%, 300% etc)  Surface Pro 7 screen, 2736x1824, 200% scale
  4. Post a video on this issue happening would help us understand your issue.  I don't have one but will try to capture a video or screen shot.
  5. Does the issue always happen upon reboot, does it also happen when your system wake from sleep?  On reboot for sure.  On wakeup I think so, but I'm not positive.
  6. When it happen, if you do restore backup/layout snapshot does the issue goes away?  I have not tried this.  I just move the fence up a little, and then back down to snap to the task bar and then it's fixed.
  7. When it happen, if you do restart Explorer.exe does the layout correct itself?  I have not tried this but I will when it next happens.
End of mickbadal's quote

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Please try the release and steps suggested by Dr W above.

Thank you.
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi chaps,

The update has resolved the issue, thanks for the prompt support.

Regards,

Dave G.

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

I will try the update.

For posterity, here is a screen capture of the behavior I am seeing.

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

OK what do I do now.  I installed the update as you suggested, it brought me to Fences version 5 and asked for a product key.  I put in my key and it says it's invalid.  I asked it to email me a product key, and it sends me a version 4 key, the exact same key I already have that Fences says is invalid.

And to add insult to injury, the rollup fences are still exhibiting the same original issue.  And now none of my fences will respond or allow me to move them, and I now have a product key problem.  

So now what do I do?

Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting mickbadal, reply 9

I will try the update.

For posterity, here is a screen capture of the behavior I am seeing.


End of mickbadal's quote

Not sure why you have that many Fences on one desktop. You do know that with Fences, you can add more Desktop Page so that you can have better spaces for all your Fences. Use those pages for different task such as, Work, Games, Media etc. Refer video below to understand how to setup and use Fences Desktop page.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting mickbadal, reply 10

OK what do I do now.  I installed the update as you suggested, it brought me to Fences version 5 and asked for a product key.  I put in my key and it says it's invalid.  I asked it to email me a product key, and it sends me a version 4 key, the exact same key I already have that Fences says is invalid.

And to add insult to injury, the rollup fences are still exhibiting the same original issue.  And now none of my fences will respond or allow me to move them, and I now have a product key problem.  

So now what do I do?
End of mickbadal's quote

I am sorry, I made a mistake to suggest for you to do steps that meant for Fences 5 owner. For Fences 5 to work for you, you will need to purchase Fences 5. It will not work with Fences 4 license key.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top

OK this is unacceptable.  I was advised to install the update to solve my problem.  After I do it, and it breaks my system, you now tell me I have to pay to upgrade to Fences 5?  And another support rep replies questioning why I use Fences the way I do?  Are you guys kidding me?

I am a paid Fences customer and you made a suggestion that broke my setup.  Please do not reply questioning how I use the product or telling me to pay to upgrade.  Fix my problem please.

Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

You should easily move back to Fences 4 by uninstall Fences 5 and reinstall Fences 4. Than we will try to help you on Fences 4.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top

And I assume when I uninstall 5 and reinstall 4, I assume I will completely lose my desktop setup of fences and 100+ shortcuts.  I do not want that. 

I find this very frustrating as a paid fences customer that I am being treated in this unprofessional fashion.  I first came to *you* to give you a bug you can fix to make your product better.  In response you had me install the update without any warning that it would break my licensing - I was led to believe I was installing an update to repair a bug, not a totally new version that would cause this issue for me.  This was admitted by you:

"I am sorry, I made a mistake to suggest for you to do steps that meant for Fences 5 owner. For Fences 5 to work for you, you will need to purchase Fences 5. It will not work with Fences 4 license key. Thank you, Basj, Stardock Community Assistant"

And now I assume it will break my setup when I roll back.  So I'm stuck.  This is very poor customer service.  Please escalate this to a manager that can resolve my issue without me breaking my setup.  I rely on this computer for very important business that will start on Tuesday and I do not want to blow up my desktop right before that.

Someone needs to tell me how I can export and then import my fences setup after I uninstall 5 and reinstall 4, so I do not have to completely recreate my setup, or make my current installation valid so I do not blow up my desktop trying to step this backward.

 

Reply #16 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting mickbadal, reply 15

And I assume when I uninstall 5 and reinstall 4, I assume I will completely lose my desktop setup of fences and 100+ shortcuts. I do not want that.
End of mickbadal's quote

No you won't lose your backups/layout snapshots. It should still be there.

But if you wish you can do these steps to back up your layout snapshots. https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1331331082/Backup+and+Restore+the+Layout+of+Fences

Backups of your Layout/Snapshot are stored in the following directory:

  • In Windows 7/8/10/11: C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Stardock\Fences\Backups

  • You will need to replace USERNAME with your user account name for Windows. 

  • Alternatively, you can import the following registry key into the new machine's registry:

    • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Stardock\FencesHighlight

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #17 from Stardock Forums Top

I am quite frustrated over this.  I cannot open fences to backup my configuration because it pops up the window saying I either need to enter product key, purchase product key, or start 30 day trial, or I can close it.  I've also looked in the programs menu and start menu for fences and there is no uninstall option, so I cannot uninstall.  And I cannot manage my fences at all right now, it will not let me.  So apparently I have no other choice but to be forced to purchase a version 5 product key...??????

I am a paid version 4 customer; I do not appreciate being forced into buying another license simply because I raised a bug to your attention with the goal of assissting you to make your product better.

Please escalate this support item and resolve my problem.

Reply #18 from Stardock Forums Top

I don't think anybody is forcing you to upgrade to Fences 5 if you don't wish to. To uninstall an application in Windows 11, have you tried via the control panel or by Windows setting->Apps->Installed apps->Click "..." on the Fences box->Click uninstall. Something like screenshot below.

 

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #19 from Stardock Forums Top

The start menu lists the app as "Fences", which is what I looked for in Add/Remove programs, but there as your screenshot shows, it is listed as "Stardock Fences".  Quite confusing, and since I couldn't initially find it because of that confusing way it is listed, I thought it wasn't in add/remove programs and therefore there was no way for me to uninstall, leaving me only with the option to upgrade.  Hence my comment about being forced to upgrade.  

Please I would ask that you don't spend time being defensive; instead try to empathize with me, a paying customer.  After all, I brought a bug to you to help stardock; then was told to install a patch which upgraded me to fences 5 and caused this problem.  Your support caused this problem for me and now you need to help me fix it because it is interrupting my business at this point.

  1. So I have now uninstalled it.   Now I have this mess on my desktop - see attached screenshot of my desktop.  All fences gone, icons scattered all over the place.

Exactly as I stated in an earlier post, I feared that my desktop would be blown up when I uninstalled, impeding my work on this device.  That is now happening.

So I tried to find Fences 4 at your website to reinstall it.  But the page won't let me access the software - either "get it now" links don't work, or they reroute me to fences 5.  So now I'm stuck with this mess on my desktop, and now get to look forward to redoing my whole desktop once you help me to figure out how to reinstall fences 4.  I am going in circles and am receiving no serious help or assistance to resolve this problem created by you, Stardock support, because I helped you by reporting a bug.  I would hope you can empathize with my frustration here.

Please provide me the fences 4 file so I can install.  I want to get past this headache as quickly as possible.

Reply #20 from Stardock Forums Top

If you have purchased Fences 4 directly from Stardock, Fences should be listed in your account Download page: https://store.stardock.com/myaccount/products or you can use this guide to get to product you purchased: https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1260191745/Getting+purchased+products+and+keys.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

 

Reply #21 from Stardock Forums Top

I finally have uninstalled Fences 5 and reinstalled Fences 4 via the link you sent me, and true to form, the behavior is still happening.  See screen shot here, the "Music tracks" rolled up fence is away from the taskbar. 

Given that I just now got my reinstall up and running and configured again, costing me many hours since installing the update you advised me to install, I will not be rushing to install anything.  But I wanted to let you know that the problem still persists and I still have no answer to this annoying issue.

Reply #22 from Stardock Forums Top

I think your desktop is too cramp up with Fences, hence causing the Fences area to overlap each other when not roll-up. I would suggest you to use Fences Pages to organize your desktop better, and spread out those Fences further away from each other.

Here a video showing on Fences pages: Tip #2

 

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #23 from Stardock Forums Top

As I said before and with all due respect - I do not want to use my fences like that.  I use my fences much like the full screen start menu used to act in windows 10.  Which means, I want to be able to click or touch my apps from one main screen to launch them, I do not want to waste time trying to mouse over or touch-swipe to move to different screens just to try and get around a bug.

I find your insinuation that I'm using Fences wrong to be modestly insulting.  Please don't suggest the solution to a bug is to tell me my usage is the problem.  This is a bug.  Fences is not calculating the task bar correctly when placing the rolled-up fence there at start.  Instead it is placing the title for the roll-up fence where it should be when it expands.  After I move it and reattach it, it works fine without any other fences being removed or modified at all, which demonstrates that the fences are not the problem.  This is clearly a bug in calcuation at initial startup.  I was in development for 25 years, and I know a bug when I see it.  Please don't project the problem onto me.

Reply #24 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi mickbadal–

Dev team stepping in here. So it looks like the "Music Tracks" group, you have docked to the bottom rolling out from the taskbar – but when you start up, it has "moved up" and the rollup is all messed up. Correct?

Agreed this is a bug; one we found occurred not in all scenarios (else obviously this would have been a rampant problem) but in some. I do believe this is something we have addressed recently, in a number of ways (there's a number of reasons this could occur). I hate to say it but – please try out the latest version at https://cdn.stardock.us/support/uploads/Fences5_5.8.5.6-j140-Setup.exe.

Yes you'll have to uninstall Fences 4 first, reboot, then install Fences 5 and begin a 30 day trial. (Make sure to take a backup snapshot and don't erase your settings on uninstall. You can backup your registry key at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Stardock\Fences as well if it gives you extra comfort.) But yes we've made a lot (a lot!) of not just "fixes" and improvements (in addition to "new features") but Windows compatibility fixes as time has gone on and, as Windows 11's onslaught of updates have caused development speed to need to increase to keep things working without glitches like this one.

Importantly– make sure the new option is enabled to store layouts on a per-monitor-config basis. Even if you're a single monitor, it'll do a better job at preserving.

If we can see if the current Fences 5 build resolves the problem, then we know we have a solution. And if not, we're on a track to debugging the issue further with debug logs. Thanks for the help and patience.