diff --git a/servers/slapd/slapcommon.c b/servers/slapd/slapcommon.c
index 8e15145075..be318ed93b 100644
--- a/servers/slapd/slapcommon.c
+++ b/servers/slapd/slapcommon.c
@@ -532,7 +532,7 @@ startup:;
 
 void slap_tool_destroy( void )
 {
-	if ( !dryrun ) {
+	if ( !dryrun && be != NULL ) {
 		slap_shutdown( be );
 	}
 	slap_destroy();