diff --git a/anki/deck.py b/anki/deck.py
index 428169b9b..6bdb80640 100644
--- a/anki/deck.py
+++ b/anki/deck.py
@@ -2980,6 +2980,8 @@ nextFactor, reps, thinkingTime, yesCount, noCount from reviewHistory""")
             path = os.path.join(backupDir, path)
             path = re.sub("\.anki$", ".backup-%d.anki" % num, path)
             return path
+        if os.path.exists(backupDir.replace("backups", "nobackups")):
+            return
         if not os.path.exists(backupDir):
             os.makedirs(backupDir)
         # if the mod time is identical, don't make a new backup