INI file written to.

[Gandolf]

V6 portable version on a USB stick.

Run "xplorer2_64.exe" or via the link "xplorer2_64.lnk".
Open Tools > Options.
Save settings on exit is "No"
Change NOTHING.
Click "cancel"
"x2settings.ini" is written to.

What is x² doing?

Even more distressing - simply RUN x² and the ini file is written to!!!

I've made the ini file for the default settings read only, so x² can't mess with that!!

It's gets even funnier

With "DEFAULT.ini" set to read only, I can open the advanced settings from the link "xplorer2_64 DEFAULT.lnk" and it claims that I have the default layout settings open. Previously, I haven't been able to open the advanced setting from the link.

Black magic at work? I only practice White magic!

[nikos]

although I cannot reproduce the spooks with your INI files, I can tell you that "save settings on exit" option itself is always written, which explains why the INI file has its date modified even when save settings is set to NO

[Gandolf]

... "save settings on exit" option itself is always written, which explains why the INI file has its date modified even when save settings is set to NO

Not if I write protect the ini file!!