diff --git a/src/calibre/devices/kobo/driver.py b/src/calibre/devices/kobo/driver.py
index f68ea8feff..1384ec0810 100644
--- a/src/calibre/devices/kobo/driver.py
+++ b/src/calibre/devices/kobo/driver.py
@@ -298,7 +298,7 @@ class KOBO(USBMS):
             changed = False
             for i, row in enumerate(cursor):
             #  self.report_progress((i+1) / float(numrows), _('Getting list of books on device...'))
-                if row[3].startswith("file:///usr/local/Kobo/help/"):
+                if not hasattr(row[3], 'startswith') or row[3].startswith("file:///usr/local/Kobo/help/"):
                     # These are internal to the Kobo device and do not exist
                     continue
                 path = self.path_from_contentid(row[3], row[5], row[4], oncard)