diff --git a/cli/wicd-cli.py b/cli/wicd-cli.py
index 570ea25..33f33c2 100644
--- a/cli/wicd-cli.py
+++ b/cli/wicd-cli.py
@@ -43,6 +43,10 @@ except dbus.DBusException:
     print 'Error: Could not connect to the daemon. Please make sure it is running.'
     sys.exit(3)
 
+if not daemon:
+    print 'Error connecting to wicd via D-Bus.  Please make sure the wicd service is running.'
+    sys.exit(3)
+
 parser = optparse.OptionParser()
 
 parser.add_option('--network', '-n', type='int', default=-1)
diff --git a/curses/wicd-curses.py b/curses/wicd-curses.py
index b2429a5..60b5f16 100755
--- a/curses/wicd-curses.py
+++ b/curses/wicd-curses.py
@@ -1018,6 +1018,10 @@ def setup_dbus(force=True):
     wireless = dbus_ifaces['wireless']
     wired = dbus_ifaces['wired']
 
+    if not daemon:
+        print 'Error connecting to wicd via D-Bus.  Please make sure the wicd service is running.'
+        sys.exit(3)
+
     netentry_curses.dbus_init(dbus_ifaces)
     return True
 
diff --git a/gtk/gui.py b/gtk/gui.py
index e29f3c1..a90b199 100644
--- a/gtk/gui.py
+++ b/gtk/gui.py
@@ -145,6 +145,17 @@ class appGui(object):
         """ Initializes everything needed for the GUI. """
         setup_dbus()
 
+        if not daemon:
+            errmsg = "Error connecting to wicd service via D-Bus." + \
+                     "Please ensure the wicd service is running."
+            d = gtk.MessageDialog(parent=None,
+                                  flags=gtk.DIALOG_MODAL,
+                                  type=gtk.MESSAGE_ERROR,
+                                  buttons=gtk.BUTTONS_OK,
+                                  message_format=errmsg)
+            d.run()
+            sys.exit(1)
+
         self.tray = tray
 
         gladefile = os.path.join(wpath.gtk, "wicd.ui")