xfce_rc_simple_open is set the read-only in the write function, but when you set this to FALSE, some of the settings are not properly restored (when you disable the display time, the settings is still disabled in the properties dialog after a restart, but the time it shown on the panel).
When "Display remaining time in the panel" is disable, the time display is disabled on the panel. However, when you log-out and log back in, the time is displayed again and "Display remaining time in the panel" check-box becomes enabled. I am assuming that the settings are not being stored and restored properly. Reproducibility: Always
Fixed in revisions 2751 and 2795: * panel-plugin/time-out.c: Fix XfceRc being opened read-only in time_out_save_settings() as reported by Nick. Don't restart the timer after closing the config dialog when the plugin is not active. * panel-plugin/time-out.c: Save settings when the 'Enabled' checkbox in the panel menu has been toggled.
Apparently this bug was fixed and closed 3 years ago but I am experiencing it again. When Xfce startups and panel loads I always see the remaining time. But the content of the rc file is : ==== $ cat .config/xfce4/panel/xfce4-time-out-plugin-12690159950.rc break-countdown-seconds=3600 lock-countdown-seconds=120 postpone-countdown-seconds=120 enabled=false display-seconds=false display-hours=false display-time=false ==== The Settings window shows the same information as the file ("Display remaining time in the panel" is unset). I run the latest Xubuntu (10.04) and it's fully up-to-date. I can't find a version for the plugin itself (the "About" menu item does not show anything) but the Ubuntu package is : 0.1.1svn+r4988-0ubuntu1 IMHO, the problem comes from the fact that the time label is not hide after loading settings if display-time is false. I will attach a patch that shoudl solve the problem but I honestly don't know if it's the best way to do it.
Created attachment 2986 Remaining time show/hide synchronization with settings on startup
Reopening, to remember investigating it.
Looks like a very good approach to me. Thanks for your patch, I just applied it.