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Error: 'Fences has detected that Explorer was not closed properly'

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Error: 'Fences has detected that Explorer was not closed properly'

from Stardock Forums

EDIT 08/02/2022
Seeing that all known crash issues have been addressed within Fences 4, we are closing this thread.  If you are still using Fences 3 and experiencing crashes, please install the trial for Fences 4 to see if you still see them:

https://www.stardock.com/products/fences/download-trial

Should your issues be resolved, there is a substantial discount to upgrade to Fences 4:

https://www.stardock.com/products/fences/download

EDIT 05/19/2022

We think we might have a fix for one crash that is possible with Fences and folder portals.  Please see if the just-released beta does indeed resolve it for you and report back here either way, please.

https://forums.stardock.com/512519/fences-4059-beta-feedback-thead

Special thanks to k3nny5 for working with us in Teams to help resolve it.

EDIT 05/12/2020
Changed the process for collecting data \ crash dumps in the instructions below.

EDIT 12/23/2021
Thanks to help from user altae here, we have confirmed that if DisplayFusion is running, this can cause the issue.  If you have DisplayFusion installed, or other 3rd party multimonitor software (Actual Multiple Monitors, UltraMon, etc), please try uninstalling and a reboot. 

EDIT 12/21/2021
If you are seeing this issue on Windows 11, and have WindowBlinds installed as well, it will very likely crash.  Please uninstall WindowBlinds to see if you still have the issue.

EDIT 11/01/2021
Any post that does not directly contribute to finding the cause will likely be removed.  Also, to find said cause, the data asked for above is crucial.  If it is absent, the post will likely be removed. 

EDIT 10/25/2021
We are seeing that many PC \ OS related issues are clouding the data \ feedback received on this issue.

Prior to doing any of the below, we ask that you have 1st don't the following.

If nothing is resolved from it, please proceed with the below.

For some, when enabling Fences, they are seeing:

'Fences has detected that Explorer was not closed properly'

Specifically for them, we need more data to find the cause. 

Manually Collecting Crash Dump

We are now asking for the manual collection of crash dumps.  instructions on how to do this has been posted here:

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

To help see if Fences is the cause of any crash, Fences has the capability to capture more data when there are crashes.  To enable it, the Fences registry needs to be changed.  One can do so by downloading and running this registry edit file:

https://cdn.stardock.us/support/uploads/FencesAllCrashesNew.zip

We are continuing to look into the crashing reports but we believe the number of users impacted is small at this time. That said, we take this very seriously and want to try and triage specific cases to see if there is a common denominator. 

MS Teams Collaboration

As one would suspect, this cant be done in the forums for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is we need data (startups, running services, sysinfo, etc).  To best accomplish this, we are going to set up a Microsoft Teams 'Team' \ Channel and invite clients having this issue to it.  The requirements for participation would be:

  • English speaking and preferably in the Western Hemisphere (for real-time chat)
  • Able to reproduce crashes at will with the latest version of Fences 4 (not Fences 3)
  • Are ok to submit data (startups, running services, sysinfo, etc) upon request
  • Are willing to stick with the troubleshooting process for (potentially) weeks.

If you can meet these requirements, please post as much here and I will send out invitations and instructions to you directly.

We thank you very much for your feedback and patience.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager

fences
660,730 views 284 replies
Reply #76 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting ULTRA1, reply 75

I have just recently installed a new nvme and Fences 4 is crashing on the brand new hd. I formatted all drives so this is completely not related to other software. If you want to check then format a pc and test to see if Fences crashes. It does. I assure you.

It does not for most I can assure you - were it, we would be overwhelmed, we are not.  This whole thread is to find out why it is happening for the relative few.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager

Reply #77 from Stardock Forums Top

Okay so the only piece of hardware I have that is the same as when this started is two things. My Elgato HD60 Pro and also my motherboard https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MPG-X570-GAMING-PRO-CARBON-WIFI .

Aside from that my Microsoft account that I use to login to Windows 10 Pro, any cloud storage I have, and Chrome mostly as my web browser.

 

Edit: I still use the nvme Seagate FireCUDA but not as my boot drive. It has been formatted. 

 

UserBenchmarks: Game 205%, Desk 108%, Work 257%

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X - 104.8%

GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT - 199.3%

SSD:  WDS200T1X0E-00AFY0 2TB - 531.4%

SSD:  ST16000NM001G-2KK103 16TB - 41.4%

SSD: Seagate FireCuda 520 SSD ZP2000GM30002 2TB - 443.8%

RAM: G.SKILL F4-3200C16-32GTZN 2x31.5GB - 109.4%

MBD: MSI MPG X570 GAMING PRO CARBON WIFI (MS-7B93)

 

Userbenchmarks delivers the info on PC's very easily read so here is my PC breakdown.

 

 

Elemental: Reforged
Reply #78 from Stardock Forums Top

Just wanted to add my report of the issue to the 'relatively few'.

 

Running a modern machine (more specs can be provided if needed), Windows 11. Tried to uninstall and reinstall after reboot, Fences 3 (don't love the no free upgrade path for Fences 4). No other Stardock software or multiscreen software installed. This is very Unfortunate to say the least, especially as there seems to be no idea what is wrong.

 

After some tinkering the 'purge' seems to have resolved the issue for now, though as the cause is unknown I could see it quite easily coming back. If it does I shall return to update.

Reply #79 from Stardock Forums Top

It's been a month or more now that fences has been working for me just fine without any issues anymore. 

Though I haven't tried using Windows Blinds again yet... 

 

Reply #80 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting hallben, reply 78

Just wanted to add my report of the issue to the 'relatively few'.

Believe me, were the choice to have everyone that uses Fences to see the issue, or this - a relative few, I would choose the former as it would mean (at the very least) we could reproduce it readily - we cannot and never have been able to.

For some perspective, millions have some version of Fences installed.

Again, no of this is to say we don't view this as important, we very much do; it's why we invited the qualified into our MS Teams environment and found at least one cause, Display Fusion.

Hallben, if you do qualify, and the below does NOT work (the clean boot), I can send you an invite as well.

Quoting hallben, reply 78

Running a modern machine (more specs can be provided if needed), Windows 11. Tried to uninstall and reinstall after reboot, Fences 3 (don't love the no free upgrade path for Fences 4). No other Stardock software or multiscreen software installed. This is very Unfortunate to say the least, especially as there seems to be no idea what is wrong.

A 'clean boot' would be more revealing:

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

Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager

Reply #81 from Stardock Forums Top

That's correct the 'clean boot' using the purge directions worked, but for less than a day and then the error re-appeared and Fences crashed again. It's a shame, as as you can see I have not even been using Fences for that long, I am wondering if using the new version would help, but I am obviously reluctant to pay (even the small amount) for software that isn't currently functional. I have once again removed the software from my machine.

 

Reply #82 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting hallben, reply 81

That's correct the 'clean boot' using the purge directions worked, but for less than a day and then the error re-appeared and Fences crashed again

With exactly the same settings and apps as when you had the cleanboot and under the exact same new Windows admin account... or no.. you installed \ changed something and were under your normal account?

Quoting hallben, reply 81

I am wondering if using the new version would help, but I am obviously reluctant to pay (even the small amount) for software that isn't currently functional. I have once again removed the software from my machine.

The 30-day trial is always an option. As you can see, we would welcome your feedback and work with you on issues.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager

Reply #83 from Stardock Forums Top

I made no changes. In addition I can't think of any changes (other than the upgrade to Win 11 a few weeks ago), that I have made.

I shall try the trial of 4 and report back.

Reply #84 from Stardock Forums Top

About a month ago I tried to update from version 3 to 4 and it was a nightmare. Even though I did everything as instructed by purging etc, etc, I could not use Windows explorer, as such, I had to load an image and return to version 3.1.

Anybody knows if this issue has been solved or should I just wait for an update?

Reply #86 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting ameneses, reply 84
About a month ago I tried to update from version 3 to 4 and it was a nightmare. Even though I did everything as instructed by purging etc, etc, I could not use Windows explorer, as such, I had to load an image and return to version 3.1.

Anybody knows if this issue has been solved or should I just wait for an update?

There are many things in the opening of this thread that we need to know you have read and tried.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager

Reply #87 from Stardock Forums Top

Yeah well I will tell you what I tried. I tried replacing every single piece of hardware in my computer and formatting every hard drive. Got any new advice from that? Fences 4 will not work.

 

UserBenchmarks: Game 207%, Desk 108%, Work 263%

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X - 105.5%

GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT - 199.3%

SSD:  WDS200T1X0E-00AFY0 2TB - 430%

SSD:  ST16000NM001G-2KK103 16TB - 39.6%

SSD: Seagate FireCuda 520 SSD ZP2000GM30002 2TB - 431.6%

RAM: G Skill Intl F4-3200C16-32GTZN 2x31.5GB - 126.3%

MBD: Asus ProArt X570-CREATOR WIFI

 

There is a new motherboard from the last time I posted. I have new ram, new power supply, new processor, new video card, 2 new hard drives, and the only thing that is the same is the SSD: Seagate FireCuda 520 SSD ZP2000GM30002 2TB - 431.6% which has been formatted but I did not write every memory sector to 0 as that takes like an hour and a half. I mean what are you requiring here? I have a new Windows 10 Pro CD key. Anything else you want me to try before you will accept that this program does not work?

Reply #88 from Stardock Forums Top

I agree. Just a few hours ago Fences 4 was doing what the developers designed it to do. Shut down repeatedly to make sure my computer is ok or something that I can't comprehend why that error message exists in the first place. But I am back at Fences 3.09 and it runs stable even after a crash. Just make sure to run fences purge first or format every hard drive in your pc. 

Note: Purge fences only works so many times. After about 10-20 purges you are going to have to format to get it off your hard drive.

Reply #89 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting ULTRA1, reply 87

Anything else you want me to try before you will accept that this program does not work?


ULTRA1 ...I'm at odds as to why you are assuming a connection between your install of Fences 4 crashing and what hardware you are on and whether it's clean formatted or not.

Support has made references to uninstalling and/or clean booting, not changing hard drives.

The most common cause of any program failure is system conflict, either with a driver or another program.

The clear reality is there are a FEW people striking issues with their install, some of which appear to be related to multi-monitor software, eg. DisplayFusion.

If in your case it's effectively entirely new hardware then there is still something in your install/settings/options that is the same [or similar] and thus getting the same results.

I know...we know...it doesn't help to say....millions do not have issues...or that I have 6 systems myself with Fences and no issues....while you still have them.

But that's the point.  Unless you engage directly with support they cannot use your 'experience' to learn from and resolve yours, and maybe a couple of others who might be in the same boat.

I myself had to spend way into the wee small hours [about 3.am] with Stardock's Support when an early proggy failed install on my system.  That was caused by my not having a 'genuine'[original] MS-provided Font ...but a 3rd party one.  I might have been the only person on the planet with that different font...but it was enough.

Back to your system....you are better served relating version info for Win 10 than what Hard drive you use...;)

Reply #90 from Stardock Forums Top

I just want to mention that I had Display Fusion on my system and after reading the latest I used Revo Uninstaller to remove it completely. Then I tried installing Fences again and it's been solid ever since. No more stalls or loops.

IOW, for me at least—problem solved. Thanks Sean!

Reply #91 from Stardock Forums Top

Ok so you are saying Fences is crashing because every time after I format then I download and install updated and fresh versions of all the same software. So something I'm installing is causing this? But why does fences 3.09 come back from a pc crash related to insufficient power and have no error message? It boots right up and it's there? Is that the because some other software is causing the error message?

 

I am at the point where I have no intention of updating unless there is some major improvement in Fences. Nothing from Fences 4 is not in the version I use. I can do all of the same things that I am aware of.

Reply #92 from Stardock Forums Top

Quick update from me, I update to a trial of 4 to see if that helped a few days back now. So far no crashes. Can't say I want to pay for 4 though as I still lack confidence in the software. 

Reply #93 from Stardock Forums Top

I see you've edited your message since I responded. I'm not gonna go back and edit my message again or try to keep up. You figure it out. I'm fine with 3.09 and if there was a real competitor then I have no real concern for Stardock. 

Reply #94 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting ULTRA1, reply 92

Ok so you are saying Fences is crashing because every time after I format then I download and install updated and fresh versions of all the same software. So something I'm installing is causing this?

Yes.

As to editing a reply, no I have not.  However as Site Admin I can see you have edited your own #92.

Reply #95 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting ULTRA1, reply 94

I see you've edited your message since I responded. I'm not gonna go back and edit my message again or try to keep up. You figure it out. I'm fine with 3.09 and if there was a real competitor then I have no real concern for Stardock. 

That's the fundamental issue.  While you decide "you work it out" YOUR specific issue is likely to go unresolved.

Support cannot work in a vacuum.

The catch-words in any program support are ...cause...effect....replication....solution....;)

Reply #96 from Stardock Forums Top

Nope. I'm done. The program works for me. Unless Fences 4 has something I need then I see no reason to update.

Reply #97 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting broacher, reply 90

I just want to mention that I had Display Fusion on my system and after reading the latest I used Revo Uninstaller to remove it completely. Then I tried installing Fences again and it's been solid ever since. No more stalls or loops.

IOW, for me at least—problem solved. Thanks Sean!

No, THANK YOU!. Efforts and reports like this are gold to us.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager

Reply #98 from Stardock Forums Top

Hi, I'm from STEAM.

I tried Revo Uninstaller to completely remove DisplayFusion.

I rebooted, removed Fences3, rebooted, installed Fences3, it works for the first time only, but when I reboot... unfortunately the error occurs again.

It's not surprising, since fences caused the error first, and in my disappointment, I bought and installed dsiplayfusion later, so there is another cause.

The error started when I changed windows from 10 to 11 and updated Fences.

When I revert to the Fences version, it works, but zooming and scrolling are too slow to be useful.

I'm very tired of chasing errors these days and if buying Fences4 is the solution, I'd rather give up.

Reply #99 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting ymzk6662276, reply 98

I'm very tired of chasing errors these days and if buying Fences4 is the solution, I'd rather give up.

If you install the trial of Fences 4 with DF uninstalled, do you still see the issue?

https://www.stardock.com/products/fences/download-trial

Sean Drohan
Stardock Support Manager

Reply #100 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello!

 

I have this issue with Fences 4 from few days.

I have tried this:

Prior to doing any of the below, we ask that you have 1st don't the following.

 

 

After performing the steps above I have restarted the PC, then installed the Fences 4, and the problem was fixed. I was able to use Fences 4.

Then I turned the PC off, on the next morning I turned the PC ON, and the problem has occurred again.

The Fences is version 4.0.0.3. When I check for update - Your copy of Fences is up to date.

When I right click in the desktop and then click the "Enable Fences" the desktop blinks 3 times and then the message "Fences has detected that Explorer was not closed properly...." appear.

 

I have this "installed": https://cdn.stardock.us/support/uploads/FencesAllCrashesNew.zip

Here is the Roaming/Stardock/Fences folder content: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cvFHkOgBfreoX6J1HoR7ZXN4D9A6hJmz/view?usp=sharing

 

I am using two monitors, no additional software similar to Display Fusion is installed. Just one morning I turned the PC ON and the "Fences has detected that Explorer was not closed properly...." message appeared.