diff --git a/openbox/client.c b/openbox/client.c
index 1c3152c8..81eafa7d 100644
--- a/openbox/client.c
+++ b/openbox/client.c
@@ -304,7 +304,8 @@ void client_manage(Window window)
     dispatch_client(Event_Client_New, self, 0, 0);
 
     /* make sure the window is visible */
-    client_move_onscreen(self, TRUE);
+    if (ob_state() == OB_STATE_RUNNING)
+        client_move_onscreen(self, TRUE);
 
     screen_update_areas();