Store Control Properties for subsequent launches of program

Question

I have a cluster of buttons.  Each button event causes a test to run.  I color code the buttons that have been tested pass(green)/fail(red). The problem is that I want to store the progress even after the program is shut down.  Maybe I could store the button control property COLOR[4] inside XML for use when I run the program at a later time.  How can I do this?

Answer 1

Just a suggestion if you use the LabVIEW installer. Writing to the application directory (Program Files) requires Admin permission in Win7. I don't like creating applications that require this.
Keeping this in mind, I go with two options
Write to an INI file in the user's data directory
Write to the Registry in HKEY_CURRENT_USER (I know, I know, the registry scares a lot of people)
Personally, if the user doesn't need to edit it, I go with the registry. It's what nearly all commercial programs do. It also allows a per-user experience.
I'll toss in my current VI's with two caveats.
Make sure you clear the errors on read. If the value doesn't exist, it will error (i.e. on a new install). If the conversion doesn't work, it will error. Users typically don't need to see an error for something as simple as defaults.
Use with a small bit of caution. If the label or application name keep changing, it will keep creating new registry entries. I would only toss this in when your design is stable
 (P.S. I know these only do value. I just wanted to give an example. You'll have to adapt slightly to your color requirements)
I wouldn't mind hearing what other people think.