App Persistence / Crashing

[tamower]

Good morning! This concern is probably on me and not a bug with the app. I followed the instructions exactly to upgrade my previous installation to the newest version. Despite all the previous info being in the right place in the new app folder, my previous shortcuts would not appear and the app reverted to first run defaults. I tried to restore from backup but that also didn't restore my shortcuts. I noted that my customizations [frame transparency / desktop colors] did persist across the upgrade. Finally I exited the program from the system tray, opened it again and rebuilt a small frame. It worked fine all day but when I rebooted my computer this morning, the app reverted back to defaults. I tried again to restore from backup but my shortcuts did not appear. I should also noted that I had a problem with the original app [Fences] crashing at first but that went away. The upgraded app has also crashed once on me this morning after I tried to restore from backup. Maybe someone could give me some pointers? I'm running Windows 11 with no updates pending and Avira anti-virus [although I don't know what that may have had to do with it].

[limbo666]

Can you try running diagnostics?

diagnostics.zip

How to run diagnostics for Desktop Frames +:

1. Download both RunDiag.bat and Collect-DFDiagnostics.ps1 and place them together in the exact same folder (e.g., your Desktop).
2. Right-click on RunDiag.bat and select "Run as Administrator".
3. Click "Yes" on the Windows security prompt.
4. A terminal window will open, color-code its progress, and scan your system for crash logs, Avira blocks, and broken profile paths.
5. Once it says "OK", it will close automatically. You will find a file named DF_Diagnostics.zip on your Desktop. Send that zip file to me for review.

[tamower]

DF_Diagnostics.zip
Here you go...

[limbo666]

Please try the following:

1. Move the Application: Do not run the software from the Downloads folder. Move the entire DesktopFrames+ folder to a standard location like C:\Program Files or a dedicated C:\Apps directory.
2. Whitelist in Avira: Open Avira Security and add an exclusion/exception for the new DesktopFrames+ folder so it stops locking the .json database files during operation.

[tamower]

I moved the application folder to C:\Program Files and received a critical error message when I attempted to start the program. I then moved the folder to the Documents folder and it ran fine although it would not restore from backup, displaying a message that required files were missing. I run Avira free and it does not allow exceptions to be entered. I would note that after the initial crashes, the previous version of the program ran fine from the Downloads folder and persisted through shut downs and reboots with no messages from my anti-virus. I have rebuilt one folder only using the new program, now located in the Documents folder. I won't be able to reboot until later and will let you know if the rebuilt frame survives.

[tamower]

To finish up with this topic. I rebooted my computer after the actions above and the frame did not survive. I was, however, able to open it from the backup folder and noted that "Start when Windows Starts" was ticked. I unchecked this, rebooted again and then ticked "Start when Windows Starts" again. The program has worked ever since so I may start adding more frames and links! Thanks for all your help!