diff --git a/src/std/softIoc/RULES b/src/std/softIoc/RULES
index fc1c6236e..81f5135ad 100644
--- a/src/std/softIoc/RULES
+++ b/src/std/softIoc/RULES
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ $(COMMON_DIR)/softIoc.dbd: $(STDDIR)/softIoc/Makefile
 
 softMain$(DEP): epicsInstallDir.h
 
-epicsInstallDir.h:
+epicsInstallDir.h: $(TOP)/configure/CONFIG_SITE*
 	$(ECHO) "FINAL_LOCATION=$(FINAL_LOCATION)"
 	$(PERL) $(STDDIR)/softIoc/makeInstallDir.pl "$(FINAL_LOCATION)" > $@