diff --git a/anki/media.py b/anki/media.py
index a84996d43..1d1d8313f 100644
--- a/anki/media.py
+++ b/anki/media.py
@@ -145,10 +145,10 @@ def escapeImages(string):
 ##########################################################################
 
 def rebuildMediaDir(deck, delete=False, dirty=True):
-    deck.startProgress(title=_("Check Media DB"))
     mdir = deck.mediaDir()
     if not mdir:
         return (0, 0)
+    deck.startProgress(title=_("Check Media DB"))
     # set all ref counts to 0
     deck.s.statement("update media set size = 0")
     # look through cards for media references