diff --git a/servers/slapd/back-bdb/modify.c b/servers/slapd/back-bdb/modify.c
index 1d60bfe8f7..2f1df81bda 100644
--- a/servers/slapd/back-bdb/modify.c
+++ b/servers/slapd/back-bdb/modify.c
@@ -384,9 +384,9 @@ retry:	/* transaction retry */
 			goto return_results;
 		default:
 			rs->sr_err = LDAP_OTHER;
+			rs->sr_text = "internal error";
+			goto return_results;
 		}
-		rs->sr_text = "internal error";
-		goto return_results;
 	}
 
 	/* acquire and lock entry */