diff --git a/examples/transfer-files/public/js/app.js b/examples/transfer-files/public/js/app.js
index b664849af4..8382ff794e 100644
--- a/examples/transfer-files/public/js/app.js
+++ b/examples/transfer-files/public/js/app.js
@@ -114,6 +114,10 @@ function onDrop (event) {
   onDragExit()
   $errors.className = 'hidden'
   event.preventDefault()
+  if (!node) {
+    onError('IPFS must be started before files can be added')
+    return
+  }
   const dt = event.dataTransfer
   const files = dt.files