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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
660,768 views 284 replies
Reply #202 from Stardock Forums Top

Just to let people know stardock fences 3.0.9.11 works for me. It's what I've been using and it doesn't crash but is an old version. Just find it on google and install it and don't update.

Ashes of the Singularity II
Reply #203 from Stardock Forums Top

I am able to reproduce the Fences crash.
Here is what I do:

1- I'm using TotalUninstall to uninstall the Fences. Then:
2- Turn Off the PC, turn On the PC.
3- Install Fences 4 and register it.
4- Create only one Folder Portal - my desktop folder
5- there is no problem for now. Fences does work hour after hour.
6- when I click the Show Desktop button(the icon in the lower right corner of the screen(task bar). It looks like a tiny rectangle that is next to the notification icon) - the Fences crashes and the "Fences has detected that Explorer was not closed properly" message appear.
No way to use Fences anymore.

So, I have to repeat steps 1 to 5, and I can use Fences. But as soon as I press the Show Desktop button(icon) the Fences crashes again.

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Reply #204 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting janroovers, reply 200

After installation, it worked for 6 hours (with reboots) and now out of the blue, it crashes the whole time...

While it may appear 'out of the blue', it never proves to be the case - an app was installed, a setting changed, a new Fence created - any help you could provide there would be helpful.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #205 from Stardock Forums Top

Still having issues (brand new laptop, clean Fences install).  Seems to only happen when I'm running 2 monitors plus built-in laptop screen.  happens randomly and also seems to take down Start11.

 

Reply #206 from Stardock Forums Top

Yes I also use two monitors, same issue, my wife only has 1 plus monitor screen and never seen it happen on hers

Reply #207 from Stardock Forums Top

Quite some time ago the common use situation of multiple monitors being related was all but confirmed. Though the devs made no mention of that.

Reply #208 from Stardock Forums Top

I've just gone through a frustrating few day with this error. I've ended up with a completely fresh fences 4.0.0.3 on top of a recent update of Windows 10. It appears to work.

 

I've tried restoring a snapshot which predates the fault appearing. Fences only and no icons. The problem reapers.

 

Uninstalling and reinstalling works, Placing all my desktop icons in one new fence works.

 

I can provide extra information on request. However I wont check this forum unless the fault reapears so please use my e-mail instead

 

I use Groupy, Display Fusion and Open-Shell to provide me with a customizable UI.

 

I used Object Dock till it stopped working and now I use a similar program launcher that I wrote myself.

 

John

 

 

John Carter
Moderator: Please do not post your email address on the forums.

 

Reply #209 from Stardock Forums Top

I just rebooted my computer and the error reapeared.

I've forgotten which version I started with but if this problem doesnt get resolved soon, I'll move on.

I forgot to mention that I use three monitors.

John

Reply #210 from Stardock Forums Top

There must be indeed an explanation as to why it stops working.

× I do use multiple monitors

The previous version does work 3.1.3.3.

I will try to reproduce the problem.

Install new version 4: crashes again (same error)

Install version 3: work again (no errors)

No change if I use one, two or 3 screens...

Reply #211 from Stardock Forums Top

I've just installed Fences 3, in response to reports it avoids the problem.  It had the problem immediately after re-install.

I also use three monitors and have been since long before the problem appeared.  I did change them recently, although can't remember whether before or after seeing the problem. Two are full HD, as before, but the third has 4k resolution, whereas before was 2560x1440, hence I have enabled font scaling

Reply #212 from Stardock Forums Top

I have had this issue randomly happening on 3 and also 4, I have moved on until the developers fix this, it may not be fences but itay be an incompatibility with windows, on my mind this still falls on the developer if they want people to use and recommend their software

Reply #213 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Fences v3.09.11 is the last version that avoids the problem. The latest version of Fences 3 is just as bad as v4.

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Reply #215 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Robert_Snyder, reply 213

Fences v3.09.11 is the last version that avoids the problem. The latest version of Fences 3 is just as bad as v4.


So, could Stardock make this version available please?

Reply #216 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Fences v3.09.11 does indeed have folder portals.

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Reply #217 from Stardock Forums Top

Back after a week away, and no change ...

I've reinstalled 3.03 from 2017 and it does all I want. I look forward to seeing how things progress.

I had the error on latest versions of 3 and 4. I use 3 monitors and display fusion, groupy with open-shell

Reply #219 from Stardock Forums Top

Looks like it, so have I, moved on a few weeks ago but I check back to see if the dev might step up and fix it or at least communicate something positive

Reply #220 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting carternjohn, reply 217

Back after a week away, and no change ...

I've reinstalled 3.03 from 2017 and it does all I want. I look forward to seeing how things progress.

I had the error on latest versions of 3 and 4. I use 3 monitors and display fusion, groupy with open-shell

Have you tried any of the versions that are not working for you without open-shell installed?

Paul Scroggins
Associate Technical Support Analyst

Reply #222 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting hallben, reply 218

Devs seem to have given up.

We have not.  We just have had a very difficult time pinning down:

  • If it is Fences at all
  • If so, what is causing it

We have pleaded with clients that are having it to work with us internally (see initial post in this thread) but they have either fixed themselves (at least 3 people) or they failed to continue participation.

Again, if anyone can consistently reproduce the issues and wants to work with us on it, please review the initial post.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #223 from Stardock Forums Top

No mention has been made of the evidence indicating a multi-monnitor set up is related to the issue.

That seems to be a common delinator of the issue.

In my case upgrading to version 4 'fixed' the issue, but in more likelood it is because I am careful not to alter my multi-monitor set up.

Reply #224 from Stardock Forums Top

I probably wouldn't call mine a 'fix' - more like a temporary solution (removing the 'SortMode' registry keys on my folder portals) that I always need to do every restart and when I adjust my monitor settings (As my monitors are shared between two machines, I have a separate usb-c portable one that I turn on when I have my other machine on and it is duplicating my primary screen).

 

Fences should be able to adapt itself no matter which dynamic screen resolution/multi-monitor configuration it is in.

Reply #225 from Stardock Forums Top

Not sure if this is helpful but I have been struggling with this bug for ages.  I noticed that when I hovered over my fences explorer would crash frequently.  After I removed a shortcut, in one of my fences (i have about 8-10 fences) that was to a network directory that no longer existed,  it seems to have stopped happening really frequently.  It has still happened but much less frequently.  Not sure how that could be tied together unless Fences is checking validity of links in fences?  If this is nonsense, please disregard.

I hope you find the bug.

Corp Environment
Multiple monitors (3)
Win10 21H2 (OS build19044.1288)