diff --git a/src/gen/mime/_winmime.py b/src/gen/mime/_winmime.py
index 43daed64d..ef717513d 100644
--- a/src/gen/mime/_winmime.py
+++ b/src/gen/mime/_winmime.py
@@ -47,9 +47,12 @@ def get_description(mime_type):
     progid = _get_prog_id(extension)
     
     if progid:
-        hcr = ConnectRegistry(None, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT)
-        desc = QueryValue(hcr, progid)
-        CloseKey(hcr)
+        try:
+            hcr = ConnectRegistry(None, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT)
+            desc = QueryValue(hcr, progid)
+            CloseKey(hcr)
+        except WindowsError:
+            pass
 
     if not desc:
         desc = _("unknown")