Fences 5.5 Beta Feedback Thread

from Stardock Forums

With the Fences 5.5 beta release today, we are creating this thread so that users can report any observed issues.  

Obtaining Object Desktop Insider Builds

Object Desktop Manager

Object Desktop members can get beta and Insider builds from within Object Desktop Manager with 'Enable Object Desktop Insider builds' enabled:

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Stardock Download Page

Or via their download page in the ‘Object Desktop Insider’ section

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Obtaining Beta Releases

Stardock.com

If a beta was released, Object Desktop Members would see it in the ‘Object Desktop’ section.

Individual purchases would see it on their registration of the product under their download page.

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Steam

  • Right-click the Product in Steam

  • Properties

  • Betas

  • Select the beta branch at the top right (there is no password)

Example

https://cdn.stardock.us/support/uploads/steamwebhelper_2024-02-19_17-44-35.png

Reporting an issue

Please include the following for anything found:

  • Exact Windows version \ build (winver.exe)

  • Detailed steps to recreate the issue seen

  • Screenshots and videos are very helpful.  Videos can be uploaded to a cloud drive service (GoogleDrive, DropBox, OneDrive, YouTube), with a shared link included in your post.  Images can be copied and pasted directly into a post.

  • If there are specific apps that the app does not work (well) with, please note what apps and their exact versions.  If any app is not common, a link to a trial version would be appreciated.

Thank you for your interest and any time you put into making Fences 5 a better product.

fences
24,007 views 13 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Fences 5.5 Changelog (Released 05/22/2024)

05/22/2024

Version

  • UI: 5.53

  • Fences.exe: 5.5.3.2

Platforms

  • Stardock and Steam

Changes

  • NEW “store layouts on a per-multimon-config basis” system is enabled by default for new installs. Old installs will keep their existing setting.

  • Fixed issue with hotkeys not loading for RDP sessions in certain scenarios.

  • Fix rare startup crash

  • Add compatibility with popular desktop right-click menu enhancer.

04/10/2024

Version

  • UI: 5.51

  • Fences.exe: 5.5.1.1

Platforms

  • Stardock and Steam

Changes

  • Fix Chameleon options link covered by ‘trial’ banner

  • Fixed issue where icons could be hidden on startup if "Vanish" setting is disabled but "Hide icons when desktop is inactive" is enabled

  • NEW Multi-monitor enhancements

    • image-20240410-184852.png

    • Updated scaling improvements for beta multi-monitor configuration enhancements

    • Additional improvements to multi-monitor detection and selection

    • New ability for icon/group layouts to adapt intelligently to changing multi-monitor conditions

  • Fixes issue on certain systems where renamed files could fall out of a Fence

  • Fixes issue on certain systems where Fence backgrounds could appear black after a change in resolution

  • Fixed "when 7zip app is installed, folder portals now correctly open the zip file instead of navigating in"

  • Fixed missing "Configure Fences" option within Fence titlebar menus on Windows 10

  • Fixed misspelling of "Tilde" in hotkey settings

  • Fix instances where Fences 5 would ask for activation when it was already activated

Language updates

  • Latest localization strings

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Known issues

While we appreciate all feedback, please remember that we offer no official support for beta \ preview \ developer channel versions of Windows. If you report issues while in any of those early release channels, you should not expect them to be addressed unless it still exists in a retail version of Windows.

  • tbd
Curtains - Customize Windows with additional styles
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

***Reserved***

Multi-monitor enhancements

We have always been working to improve the reliability of Fences placement on the Desktop.  What has made this challenging over the years are all the variables that are involved:

  • Quantity of monitors

  • Connection types 

  • DPI \ Scale \ Resolution

  • Waking from sleep \ hibernate states

  • The evolution of Windows itself and how it manages items on the desktop

That said, with this Fences 5.5 beta build, we believe it addresses most monitor scenarios. 

For any issues that are still observed, please detail:

  • That you have enabled 'Store my layouts on a per-monitor-configuration basis' in Fences 5
  • Exact Windows version (winver.exe)
  • Exact Fences.exe version
  • Monitor count
  • The exact connection type for each monitor
  • If any adaptors are used to bridge monitors (a docking station for example or USB-C to HDMI connector).
  • Exact steps to reliably and constantly reproduce the issue.  If it is not reliably and consistently reproducible, we need a percentage of times you use the PC where you would likely see it happen.  For example '

    Perhaps 1 out of 100 reboots (1% of them), Fences are messed up post reboot'

  • And the results of a snapshot restore - does it work to restore your Fences \ icons properly when used.
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

This version is ahead of alpha 1 correct?

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting PhoenixRising1, reply 4

This version is ahead of alpha 1 correct?

I would have to look for the exact versions but yes, it has some other things in it (fix for the trial obscuring some Chameleon text and translations).  

One other fix of importance (to us) is that some - with the current version of Fences 5 - are repeatedly asked to re-enter their key.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Hello,

I could not become a beta tester for Fences 5.5 I have some problems with 4.22 in multi-monitor operations

Manfred

Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top

Not a beta tester, no time ;)

I installed the beta Fences 5.51 and now every time I awaken my monitor and relog onto Windows 10  - latest with May7/24 updates - my Fences have moved position to some random location on my desktop, sometime right on top of each other. It's a a pain to have to drag them bacvk every time I get on my desktop. Also using a TESmart Dual Monitor KVM (hardware.)

Is there anyway to roll back to the latest stable version without losing all my fences and their content?

Thanks in advance for any help given

Tom

Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Tommymac, reply 7

Not a beta tester, no time ;)

I installed the beta Fences 5.51 and now every time I awaken my monitor and relog onto Windows 10  - latest with May7/24 updates - my Fences have moved position to some random location on my desktop, sometime right on top of each other. It's a a pain to have to drag them bacvk every time I get on my desktop. Also using a TESmart Dual Monitor KVM (hardware.)

Is there anyway to roll back to the latest stable version without losing all my fences and their content?

Thanks in advance for any help given

Tom

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

Thank you so much, Pelaird. I changed the setting as suggested and will try it out as i can. Will report back when I can. Have a great day!

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting Tommymac, reply 9

Thank you so much, Pelaird. I changed the setting as suggested and will try it out as i can. Will report back when I can. Have a great day!

That is also part of the instructions:

https://forums.stardock.com/527284/get;3927360

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

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Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

If I read that, I won't spend any money on the 5 version,
if the problems with multi-monitor operation are not solved in 5 either.
Especially not as a subscription version
Greetings ms1958

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting ms1958, reply 11

If I read that, I won't spend any money on the 5 version,
if the problems with multi-monitor operation are not solved in 5 either.
Especially not as a subscription version
Greetings ms1958

What in this makes you believe they are not? Seemingly, the only reason Tommymac did not see results is he did not set it to the new method.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager

Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top

All,

Fences 5.53 was released today.  For details, please see:

https://forums.stardock.com/528046/fences-553-release-feedback-thread

As always, thank you for your time, feedback, and support.

Sean Drohan
Stardock Product Lifecycle Manager