diff --git a/lib/netrc.c b/lib/netrc.c
index 1309d30942..9c5c6c7f20 100644
--- a/lib/netrc.c
+++ b/lib/netrc.c
@@ -362,6 +362,7 @@ out:
   }
   else {
     curlx_dyn_free(filebuf);
+    store->loaded = FALSE;
     if(!specific_login)
       free(login);
     free(password);