diff --git a/elements/dib-run-parts/root.d/90-base-dib-run-parts b/elements/dib-run-parts/root.d/90-base-dib-run-parts
index fb4c4594f..c85dc82af 100755
--- a/elements/dib-run-parts/root.d/90-base-dib-run-parts
+++ b/elements/dib-run-parts/root.d/90-base-dib-run-parts
@@ -6,6 +6,10 @@ fi
 set -eu
 set -o pipefail
 
+# Abort early if dib-run-parts is not found to prevent a meaningless
+# error message from the subsequent install command
+DIB_RUN_PARTS=$(which dib-run-parts)
+
 exec sudo install -m 0755 -o root -g root -D \
-    $(which dib-run-parts) \
+    $DIB_RUN_PARTS \
     $TARGET_ROOT/usr/local/bin/dib-run-parts