diff --git a/systray.py b/systray.py

index 07db0fa..3a35b30 100644

--- a/systray.py

+++ b/systray.py

@@ -89,7 +89,14 @@ if __name__ == '__main__':

     log.debug("Creating pipe: hpssd (%d) ==> systemtray (%d)" % (w1, r1))

     parent_pid = os.getpid()

-    child_pid1 = os.fork()

+    try:

+        child_pid1 = os.fork()

+    except BlockingIOErrror as e:

+        log.error("hp-systray: error during fork - %s" % e)

+        os.close(w1)

+        os.close(r1)

+        mod.unlockInstance()

+        sys.exit(1)

     if child_pid1:

         # parent (UI)