diff --git a/check.c b/check.c
index 09544834c..2b2172a6c 100644
--- a/check.c
+++ b/check.c
@@ -343,7 +343,8 @@ static void update_timestamp()
 
 	    if (fd < 0)
 		perror("update_timestamp: open");
-	    close(fd);
+	    else
+		close(fd);
 	}
 
 	/* relinquish root */