I *know* that is how it works!
However, if the folder is re-created on reboot (as you say, and "stays
empty"), then something is going a bit wrong.
I suspect that you may be removing the drive from the system from time to
time (i.e.; unplugging it).
If the system "looses track" of the drive (i.e.; finds it as "not
present"), for any length of time, then, on re-inserting the drive, will
re-enumerate it - including re-establishing System Restore.
If this is the case - simply make sure that the drive IS plugged in when
you turn off the computer, and also plugged in on turning the PC on again.
That is to say; only remove the drive when the PC is totally switched off.
Otherwise, the system will re-enumerate the drive if it's presence is not
continuous, and System Restore (and other settings such as Recycle Bin
settings) will attempt to re-establish themselves.
==
Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London.
If the folder "System Volume Information" appears on a drive, other than
the system drive, that you don't want to System Restore to be active on;
then simply uncheck the "box" for that drive (in the same place where you
would turn it off at).
Rather than turning off System Restore completely for all drives...
That way, the folder "System Volume Information" should disappear from
that drive once it has been "de-selected" on the System Restore page of
"System Properties".
If it does not disappear (but it really should) - just delete that folder
after de-activating System Restore on that drive.
It is a hidden folder so you could use the following command from a
"cmd.exe" (Command Prompt) :
RMDIR /S /Q "X:\System Volume Information"
...where you would replace the [X:] for the drive-letter of your "USB DOS
hard drive"
==
Cheers, Tim Meddick, Peckham, London.
Thanks everyone for the information...
I'll just have to be satisfied with "System Restore" turned off...
Are you sure you can have a volume with no SVI folder?
Do you think that is how it should work or have you done it and you
know that is how it works?
I know I can turn off SR and delete the SVI folder and it is gone, but
XP always makes one on reboot (and it stays empty).
The SVI folder is a persistent bugger.