diff --git a/eeschema/files-io.cpp b/eeschema/files-io.cpp
index 837058ccea..f3ff87ee8c 100644
--- a/eeschema/files-io.cpp
+++ b/eeschema/files-io.cpp
@@ -1660,7 +1660,8 @@ void SCH_EDIT_FRAME::CheckForAutoSaveFile( const wxFileName& aFileName )
             }
             // Attempt to back up the last schematic file before overwriting it with the auto
             // save file.
-            else if( !wxCopyFile( recoveredFn.GetFullPath(), backupFn.GetFullPath() ) )
+            else if( recoveredFn.Exists()
+                    && !wxCopyFile( recoveredFn.GetFullPath(), backupFn.GetFullPath() ) )
             {
                 unrecoveredFiles.Add( recoveredFn.GetFullPath() );
             }