diff --git a/stepmania/src/DifficultyIcon.cpp b/stepmania/src/DifficultyIcon.cpp
index a0382f83d3..8abfd43a81 100644
--- a/stepmania/src/DifficultyIcon.cpp
+++ b/stepmania/src/DifficultyIcon.cpp
@@ -17,13 +17,16 @@
 #include "RageLog.h"
 #include "Notes.h"
 #include "GameState.h"
+#include "RageDisplay.h"
+#include "arch/ArchHooks/ArchHooks.h"
 
 
 bool DifficultyIcon::Load( CString sPath )
 {
 	Sprite::Load( sPath );
 	if( GetNumStates() != 5  &&  GetNumStates() != 10 )
-		RageException::Throw( "The difficulty icon graphic '%s' must have 5 or 10 frames.", sPath.c_str() );
+		if( DISPLAY->IsWindowed() )
+			HOOKS->MessageBoxOK( "The difficulty icon graphic '%s' must have 5 or 10 frames.", sPath.c_str() );
 	StopAnimating();
 	return true;
 }