diff --git a/src/calibre/srv/loop.py b/src/calibre/srv/loop.py
index aeafff8fb3..73e5312948 100644
--- a/src/calibre/srv/loop.py
+++ b/src/calibre/srv/loop.py
@@ -681,6 +681,7 @@ class ServerLoop(object):
                 raise socket.error(msg)
         else:
             self.socket = self.pre_activated_socket
+            self.pre_activated_socket = None
             self.setup_socket()
 
         self.ready = True