Fences 5 Update Overlays Shortcuts on the Desktop

from Stardock Forums

I previously installed Fences 5 via Object Desktop.  It is installed (for future use); I have NOT yet created any "Fences".  Today I was notified of a Fences 5 update.  I downloaded and installed the update which now distorts my Desktop even though I have NOT created any "Fences" by overlaying shortcuts on the right-hand side of my Desktop instead of pushing them off to the right as Windows would normally do.  It appears that Fences 5 is adding pixels/spacing between the Desktop shortcuts - not sure why since NO "Fences" have ever been created.  Links to Desktop images before and after the update are provided below.  In the meantime, I have disabled Fences 5 and my Desktop shortcuts have returned to normal Desktop spacing, i.e. all shortcuts now "fit" onto my Desktop, albeit with the Desktop shortcuts now in a jumbled order.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/eegmukimqe64xpbkff8jl/Pre-Fences-5-Update.jpg?rlkey=12z3w2pimtyycs8yu2a2vvd1q&st=9cq1yk8z&dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/oexivthmz0zk1c2d7gehi/Fences-5-Mess.jpg?rlkey=45zw329sad0g5h82x6wv85961&st=sz6hm9t3&dl=0

Microsoft Windows 10 Pro

Version 10.0.19045 Build 19045

fences
4,774 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

After looking at your images, try using the Ctrl+Scroll Wheel to change the size and see if they bounce back to the correct spacing.

Also, your desktop layout could really benefit from using Fences. You  should set it up, and this issue would be mute.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Thanks for your response. 

Yes, I understand that my desktop layout might benefit from using Fences.  That is why I installed it - I just haven't had time to play with it and my current desktop works for me.  I had not anticipated that Fences would cause problems just by being installed.

Ctrl + Scroll Wheel does potentially solve the problem albeit with smaller icons.  My desktop originally had shortcuts stacked 7 high.  Ctrl + Scroll Wheel solves the problem only if I use smaller icons and stack them 8 high.

I will just keep Fences disabled for now until I have time to play with it.

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Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

After playing with Fences in a sandbox, I thought I understood the application well enough to actually use it so I created the following Desktop with Fences.  

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/mox497nj7rulxhh6kzf10/Desktop-with-Fences.jpg?rlkey=xzmi97166n2daftr4q3lhbgqh&st=raozz98y&dl=0

I used Fences to create a nice menu-like layout of two (2) columns wide to organize my applications.

It looked great and seemed to work well enough at first but then I rebooted my computer and my Fences configuration appears to have been lost after the reboot.

The following desktop image shows how the Desktop was jumbled and shortcuts overlaid on the right-hand side of the display.  

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qnf77i0jgw8aq7vkafbvt/Fences-after-Reboot.jpg?rlkey=suhtberlmqhc4654dz92rpc3o&st=8aggk43q&dl=0

Multiple reboots and disabling/re-enabling Fences did not solve the problem.  

I have disabled Fences again and reordered my Desktop.  Perhaps I will try again when I have more time but for now I will stick with my default Desktop.

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Are you running multiple monitors?

Even if you are only running one monitor, if you set the config as follows, it should fix your issue.

Make sure you're running Fences 5.5.3.2. If not, update to this version.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

My Fences installation indicates it is Version 5.53.  "Check for updates" indicates my installation is "up to date".  I am NOT running multiple monitors. 

This is occurring on a Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 laptop with NVIDIA RTX A2000 8GB GPU. Display resolution is 1920x1200. Size of text, apps, etc. is 150%.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ztlzaxo00fjzrdu5q6js2/Fences-About.jpg?rlkey=odc0kizd6q5d8x8sad05ne41k&st=r6vj2org&dl=0

Fences >> Backups indicates I have two (2) Fences backups with the "menu-like" Fences I previously created.  One is a "Saved backup" that I named my "Default Layout".

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/h9vo74whk2kwiwwcf51hm/Fences-Backups.jpg?rlkey=5dkjinawnkivp7ehpk2e4msdy&st=0xxb8sx6&dl=0

"Restore Snapshot" for either backup does NOT restore the previously created Fences from the backup.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9pdmttf2v1dyhqchbx1i1/Fences-Restore.jpg?rlkey=jusak3i3h0uubn0ppqlqa0nky&st=g74184zq&dl=0

Changing the "Store my layout . . ." setting does NOT solve the problem.  The Fences just appear to be gone.

I don't know what to tell you.  It is disconcerting that the Fences will not even restore from a backup. 

At this point I am not going to pursue this issue further.  When I have more time I will create another sandbox, uninstall and re-install and try again.

Thank you for your responses.  Sorry to trouble you.