diff --git a/usr/lib/linuxmint/mintMenu/plugins/recentHelper.py b/usr/lib/linuxmint/mintMenu/plugins/recentHelper.py
index c0fab8d..0aceacb 100644
--- a/usr/lib/linuxmint/mintMenu/plugins/recentHelper.py
+++ b/usr/lib/linuxmint/mintMenu/plugins/recentHelper.py
@@ -115,6 +115,10 @@ def doRecentApps():
 
 def applicationButtonClicked(widget):
     mintMenuWin.hide()
+
+    if settings == None:
+        return
+
     recentAppsAdd(widget)
     recentAppsSave()
     doRecentApps()