diff --git a/lib/buildSystem.js b/lib/buildSystem.js
index 209af3ef..432c0cfb 100644
--- a/lib/buildSystem.js
+++ b/lib/buildSystem.js
@@ -41,6 +41,11 @@ BuildSystem.prototype._ensureInstalled = async function () {
 };
 
 BuildSystem.prototype._showError = function (e) {
+    if (this.log === undefined) {
+        // handle internal errors (init failed)
+        console.error("OMG", e.stack);
+        return;
+    }
     if (this.log.level === "verbose" || this.log.level === "silly") {
         this.log.error("OMG", e.stack);
     }