diff --git a/shell/main.c b/shell/main.c
index f5f3d13..7a96712 100644
--- a/shell/main.c
+++ b/shell/main.c
@@ -400,8 +400,12 @@ #endif
 
 	CORBA_exception_free (&ev);
 	
-	if (shell == NULL)
+	if (shell == NULL) {
+		//there is another instance but because we don't open any windows
+		//we must notify the startup was complete manually
+		gdk_notify_startup_complete ();
 		bonobo_main_quit ();
+	}
 
 	return FALSE;
 }
