Fences 3

Bug with icons moving and apps not detecting icons already on the desktop

from Stardock Forums

I bought Stardock Fences many years ago and I've tried contacting support about this issue before.  Sometimes the fence would resize slightly and basically reduce the number of columns by 1, sometimes adding a new row.  I have constantly had to snap it back into place when it does this.  Another annoyance is when I do updates of other software on my computer and it cannot tell there's an icon for it already on the desktop, within a fence, and it adds another icon.

One person from support said I may need to upgrade to a newer version.  The thing is, if Stardock doesn't maintain their old software, how am I to trust them with new software?  I paid for this and it should work right.  It isn't my fault their software is buggy and promising me an upgrade will get rid of it is them acknowledging their software is buggy and not caring to fix it.  None of these things should be happening.

Moved to Fences area.

stardock software fences
6,295 views 16 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

My OS is Windows 11.  This has happened on it as well as Windows 10 when I had it, on multiple different computers, including laptops and desktops.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Fences 3 was first introduce back in 2017, and it has stop actual developing since Fences 4 was introduced in 2021. I wonder why you did not purchase Fences 4, if you said you purchased Fences 3, 3 years ago, since Fences 4 was actually out by then. For reference: https://www.stardock.com/products/fences/history.

However, I understand your expectation, one question, was this issue appeared when you first use Fences 3, 3 years ago? What change since it not working? Probably a lot has changed, Windows 10 updates, Windows 11 updates, Multiple time graphics driver updates over the years etc. These updates will effect how your computer work, and it will effect 3rd party software, specially one that need to work with the computer system directly, such as Fences. Fences need to keep developing to keep up with these Windows system updates. And, development need resources.

So, to make Fences 3 work on your system, you will need to revert back your Windows to version that used to work for you and stop it from updating.

Thank you.
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.

Elemental: Reforged
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

I meant I purchased it years ago, not three years ago.  That was a mistake.  I purchased it directly from Stardock and have the proof of it.  The bugs have never stopped since then and every time I reach out, I am blamed for the problem and Stardock denies anything wrong with the product.

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

Strangely, I searched the forum and I can not find any other report from you on Fences 3. Did you report this issue somewhere else?

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

I did not report it here.  I sent Stardock's Twitter account a message and that's where the troubleshooting happened.  At any rate, do you know how I can fix this issue?

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,
I have forwarded your problem/question to Stardock Support Team for their assistance. Please keep an eye on this thread for any updates. We appreciate your feedback and patience.

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

As a test, please do 30 days free trial on Fences 5 and see if the issue still appear while you on Fences 5. Try that and report back.

https://www.stardock.com/products/fences/. You should be able to revert back to Fences 3 once you have done the test.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

Okay.  I downloaded it to do the free trial the day you sent the message suggesting I do so.  Neither bug has happened a second time.  So, does that mean it's a software issue with Fences 3?  I already have Fences 3 and it should be working without these bugs, so I don't want to pay for Fences 5.  What should I do?  The only thing I care about is the desktop Fences feature.  Both 3 and 5 look the same at first glance as it pertains to the desktop icons.  Please let me know how I should proceed.

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

Great to hear that the issue do not appear on Fences 5. But, unfortunately, you will need to move on to Fences 5, since Fences 3 has not actively supported for several years. There are lots of improvement done on Fences 5 to keep up with current Windows changes: you can refer to Fences history thread which I post the link above in my reply#2.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

So what you're saying is that you don't stand by your own products.  That said, when years go by and Fences 5 starts having bugs, I'll have to upgrade then too, right?  I'm telling you that Fences 3 has always had bugs.  Rather than make it right, you try to upsell me more products that will fail.

Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

If I am to upgrade, is there a way to get an upgrade discount?  Since I am already the owner of Fences 3?

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

Go to Fences product page: https://www.stardock.com/products/fences/. Scroll to the bottom, there is an "Upgrade" link under the Single. Click on that, enter your email address to check for discount eligibility.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top

So this is a subscription service now?  Fences 3 wasn't.  Fences 3 should still be working.  Now, in order for the product I purchased to work correctly, you're saying I have to upgrade to a subscription service.  I don't know about this.  I think I'm done.

Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top

If you look carefully in there, there is a link for permanent license in there. Please try that link. It just below the Green "Get it now" box.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant

Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top

Ah, well, this goes back to my problem with Fences 3, doesn't it?  Your company stopped maintaining that product, despite me purchasing a permanent license.  If I buy a permanent license for Fences 5 and it stops working in the future, you won't do anything about that and expect me to buy a newer version.  That's not the kind of company that has a high trust rating with people.  I don't do business with companies that do this.

Reply #16 from Stardock Forums Top

Unfortunately, that is how it is, Fences need to develop to keep up with Windows evolution. And the rate of Windows change is faster now. Do note that when you purchased Fences 3, you should notice that there were Fences 2 and Fence 1 before it. Those Fences 2 and Fences user also need to upgrade to Fences 3 to ensure compatibility with their Windows back than. They also have permanent license for those product.

Thank you,

Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant