Thank you for working through these issues with us, everyone who was involved.
We have logged the issue with the developers to review, internal reference id: FEN-158
Paul Scroggins
Associate Technical Support Analyst
You're welcome.
I am having the same issue with Fences 4, only on a Win 10 Pro machine. It's a new OS installation that I've only installed ESET End Point AV and Open Shell. I've tried purging, reboot, re-install, reboot with no change. Every other machine in the office has the same OS, with ESET and Open Shell installed, and Fences works fine.
I am having the same issue, only on a Win 10 Pro machine. It's a new OS installation that I've only installed ESET End Point AV and Open Shell. I've tried purging, reboot, re-install, reboot with no change. Every other machine in the office has the same OS, with ESET and Open Shell installed, and Fences works fine.
My machine was Win 10 Pro and Open Shell. I had no network icons on my desktop. The only way I could get Fences to start was to remove ALL items from my desktop. Leaving just the system icons "PC", "Control Panel" and "Recycle Bin".
I'm not sure if you've tried this?
All icons except Recycle Bin gone. Still doesn't work. Did a clean boot with no change.
Every other machine in the office has the same OS, with ESET and Open Shell installed, and Fences works fine.
So something about it is different, mteresko.
I would suggest reviewing your Windows Event log to see if it points to a cause.
Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager
I am aware that it is a different machine, sdRohan. That is not the same as there being something wrong with the machine. I've reviewed the Windows Event log, and I'm not seeing anything relevant to the issue at hand. There are no application errors noted in the time frame of the installation of Fences, and the only system errors refer to a GPO connection issue that resolved itself. There is no indication that there is a problem with the installation, other than the fact that the program does not work. Any other suggestions?
-Mike
One of the first things I did was to check the Event log and I don't recall seeing anything relevant. This was prior to the suggestion (which resolved issue for me) of removing [all] desktop entries.
If you're positive that Fences logs to the event log then it might help if you specified exactly which log as there are multiple.
I am aware that it is a different machine, sdRohan. That is not the same as there being something wrong with the machine.
I am not, nor in any of these other prior posts did we ever, suggest there is something 'wrong' with any PC. My meaning was there is something unique to this PC, its settings, or installed apps.
Every other machine in the office has the same OS, with ESET and Open Shell installed, and Fences works fine.
Are their settings applied to your PC (perhaps via GPO) that are not applied to others that you know of?
If you fire up a sandbox instance on this PC, can you install \ enable Fences?
https://support.stardock.com/space/SHC/1416560645/Testing+Fences+in+Sandbox
Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager
I've got Sandbox running, and have installed Fences 4 in it, and I still can't create a fence. It's enabled, but when I click, drag and release, nothing happens.
I've installed Fences 2 using an old license key, and it's working.
I've got Sandbox running, and have installed Fences 4 in it, and I still can't create a fence. It's enabled, but when I click, drag and release, nothing happens.

Are both entries for Fences 'enabled' in the PC 'Startup apps'?

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager
Yes, both Fences apps are enabled in Startup.
I don't think I need to waste any more time trying to get v4 to run properly since v2 seems to run fine.
-Mike
Yes, both Fences apps are enabled in Startup.
I don't think I need to waste any more time trying to get v4 to run properly since v2 seems to run fine.
-Mike
TBH, I am a bit shocked that Fences 2 works on any modern Win OS; not because of its design, but rather, of all the changes to the OSs themselves.
However, if you change your mind and want to continue to work on it, we will be here to assist.
Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager
Would you recommend going to v3? I have an unused v2>v3 upgrade key available.
-Mike
When I was having issues I tried the sandbox suggestion and I could not get Fences4 to enable. What confuses me about this is that by definition there were no icons on the desktop. I was also on Windows 10 Pro. It feels like something else is going on but I have no idea what.
FYI, I just ran the upgrade to v3, and all seems well. The issue is specific to v4.
-M
FYI, I just ran the upgrade to v3, and all seems well. The issue is specific to v4.
-M
Specific to for a very specific reason as to why (not yet known).
This a reach but one change that comes to mind is a Sheduled task that is used with Fences 4 for the new Peak feature:

While that should only have an impact for that Peak feature, does it exist with a Fences 4 install and has it run successfully?
Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager
So I too am having this same issue, and have read and gone thru every single step, guide and suggestion and am not able to get it to enable either. I've removed EVERYTHING from the desktop and its still not working. I will be requesting a complete refund if this cant get resolved in a timely manner.
So I too am having this same issue, and have read and gone thru every single step, guide and suggestion and am not able to get it to enable either. I've removed EVERYTHING from the desktop and its still not working. I will be requesting a complete refund if this cant get resolved in a timely manner.
Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Can we know more on your system please.
- You on Windows 10 or 11? Also, need to know its full version numbers. Use Winver.exe.
- Fences version number?
- What error msg popup when you try to enable Fences?
- Does Fences appear on your Taskmanager twice on Startup?
- What Steps you have done so far, list them down.
Thanks
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant.
Hi, I just had the same problem: On a newly installed Windows 10 Pro system on a VM, Fences 4 didn't work.
But the upgrade path Fences 2 -> Fences 3 -> Fences 4 worked.
HTH,
-B
Hi Everyone,
I have the same problem (enable fences does not work). I've tried moving all icons to a folder...but:
The IT department has a script to plant a support-icon (connects to the support website) once it is missing from the desktop. Each time I remove it and reboot, this icons reappers out of the folder.
I'm not sure that this is the issue that blocks Fences (I had this icon for ages), but if it does - where do we go from here?
Hi Everyone,
I have the same problem (enable fences does not work). I've tried moving all icons to a folder...but:
The IT department has a script to plant a support-icon (connects to the support website) once it is missing from the desktop. Each time I remove it and reboot, this icons reappers out of the folder.
I'm not sure that this is the issue that blocks Fences (I had this icon for ages), but if it does - where do we go from here?
Hello,
Sorry to hear you are having issues. Please try the latest version : Fences 4.0.10.1 beta https://forums.stardock.com/516973. Try it and report back.
Thank you,
Basj,
Stardock Community Assistant
Hi Basj and everyone.
Alas, the problem persists on version 4.1.0.2-J104
Hi Basj and everyone.
Alas, the problem persists on version 4.1.0.2-J104
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
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