diff --git a/org.apache.felix.framework/src/main/java/org/apache/felix/framework/SystemBundle.java b/org.apache.felix.framework/src/main/java/org/apache/felix/framework/SystemBundle.java
index 46c4a63..fdfdf3c 100644
--- a/org.apache.felix.framework/src/main/java/org/apache/felix/framework/SystemBundle.java
+++ b/org.apache.felix.framework/src/main/java/org/apache/felix/framework/SystemBundle.java
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@
         // is started by the framework.
         if (getState() == Bundle.ACTIVE)
         {
-            throw new BundleException("Cannot start the system bundle.");
+            return;
         }
 
         getInfo().setState(Bundle.STARTING);