diff --git a/anki/__init__.py b/anki/__init__.py
index 1baae1b2b..38658e636 100644
--- a/anki/__init__.py
+++ b/anki/__init__.py
@@ -37,5 +37,13 @@ Save & close:
     deck.close()
 """
 
+import sys
+if sys.version_info[0] > 2:
+    raise Exception("Anki should be run with python2.x.")
+elif sys.version_info[1] < 5:
+    raise Exception("Anki requires Python 2.5+")
+if sys.getfilesystemencoding().lower() in ("ascii", "ansi_x3.4-1968"):
+    raise Exception("Anki requires a UTF-8 locale.")
+
 version = "1.99"
 from anki.storage import Deck
diff --git a/anki/db.py b/anki/db.py
index 5d433703c..734037b55 100644
--- a/anki/db.py
+++ b/anki/db.py
@@ -6,10 +6,7 @@ import os
 try:
     from pysqlite2 import dbapi2 as sqlite
 except ImportError:
-    try:
-        from sqlite3 import dbapi2 as sqlite
-    except:
-        raise Exception("Please install pysqlite2 or python2.5")
+    from sqlite3 import dbapi2 as sqlite
 
 from anki.hooks import runHook