--- a/smalltalk.rc	Thu Aug 05 16:42:39 2010 +0200
+++ b/smalltalk.rc	Fri Aug 06 15:19:00 2010 +0200
@@ -220,11 +220,12 @@
 "/ Install patches, once everything has been loaded.
 "/ System methods may be overwritten by patches.
 
-prevCatchSetting := Class catchMethodRedefinitions.
-Class catchMethodRedefinitions:false.
+prevCatchSetting := Class catchMethodRedefinitions:false.
 (Smalltalk secureFileIn:(Smalltalk commandName asFilename withSuffix:'pch')) ifFalse:[
     Smalltalk isStandAloneApp ifFalse:[
-	Smalltalk secureFileIn:'patches'.
+	(Smalltalk secureFileIn:'patches') ifFalse:[
+	    'smalltalk.rc [warning]: error while filing in ''patches'' - some patches have not been loaded!' errorPrintCR.
+	].
     ].
 ].
 Class catchMethodRedefinitions:prevCatchSetting.