diff --git a/src/calibre/customize/__init__.py b/src/calibre/customize/__init__.py
index 13e1f20a2d..1f44eb4ae2 100644
--- a/src/calibre/customize/__init__.py
+++ b/src/calibre/customize/__init__.py
@@ -90,6 +90,11 @@ class Plugin(object): # {{{
         an optional method validate() that takes no arguments and is called
         immediately after the user clicks OK. Changes are applied if and only
         if the method returns True.
+
+        If for some reason you cannot perform the configuration at this time,
+        return a tuple of two strings (message, details), these will be
+        displayed as a warning dialog to the user and the process will be
+        aborted.
         '''
         raise NotImplementedError()
 
@@ -133,6 +138,12 @@ class Plugin(object): # {{{
         except NotImplementedError:
             config_widget = None
 
+        if isinstance(config_widget, tuple):
+            from calibre.gui2 import warning_dialog
+            warning_dialog(parent, _('Cannot configure'), config_widget[0],
+                    det_msg=config_widget[1], show=True)
+            return False
+
         if config_widget is not None:
             v.addWidget(config_widget)
             v.addWidget(button_box)