diff --git a/lang/basic/src.old/bem.c b/lang/basic/src.old/bem.c
index c91d6067..9a818c65 100644
--- a/lang/basic/src.old/bem.c
+++ b/lang/basic/src.old/bem.c
@@ -39,7 +39,10 @@ char **argv;
 	/* compile source programs */
 	compileprogram(program);
 	linewarnings();
-	if( errorcnt) exit(-1);
+	if( errorcnt) {
+		unlink(tmpfname);
+		exit(-1);
+	}
 	/* process em object files */
 	simpleprogram();
 }