diff --git a/zenmap/zenmapGUI/MainWindow.py b/zenmap/zenmapGUI/MainWindow.py
index 11188d577..d0d0de3b1 100644
--- a/zenmap/zenmapGUI/MainWindow.py
+++ b/zenmap/zenmapGUI/MainWindow.py
@@ -767,9 +767,18 @@ This scan has not been run yet. Start the scan with the "Scan" button first.'))
             scan_interface.saved_filename = directory
 
             # Saving recent scan information
-            for filename in filenames:
-                recent_scans.add_recent_scan(filename)
-            recent_scans.save()
+            try:
+                for filename in filenames:
+                    recent_scans.add_recent_scan(filename)
+                recent_scans.save()
+            except (OSError, IOError), e:
+                alert = HIGAlertDialog(
+                        message_format=_(
+                            "Can't save recent scan information"),
+                        secondary_text=_(
+                            "Can't open file to write.\n%s") % str(e))
+                alert.run()
+                alert.destroy()
 
     def _save(self, scan_interface, saved_filename, selected_index,
             format="xml"):
@@ -794,8 +803,17 @@ This scan has not been run yet. Start the scan with the "Scan" button first.'))
 
             if format == "xml":
                 # Saving recent scan information
-                recent_scans.add_recent_scan(saved_filename)
-                recent_scans.save()
+                try:
+                    recent_scans.add_recent_scan(saved_filename)
+                    recent_scans.save()
+                except (OSError, IOError), e:
+                    alert = HIGAlertDialog(
+                            message_format=_(
+                                "Can't save recent scan information"),
+                            secondary_text=_(
+                                "Can't open file to write.\n%s") % str(e))
+                    alert.run()
+                    alert.destroy()
 
     def get_empty_interface(self):
         """Return this window if it is empty, otherwise create and return a new