diff --git a/tools/appliance/build.sh b/tools/appliance/build.sh
index 2cefd793c78..96caf78ea5e 100755
--- a/tools/appliance/build.sh
+++ b/tools/appliance/build.sh
@@ -499,13 +499,13 @@ function hyperv_export() {
 ###
 
 function main() {
+  prepare
   if [ "${clean_vbox}" == "1" ]; then
     clean_vbox --delete
     add_on_exit clean_vbox --delete
   else
     stop_vbox # some extra encouragement for virtualbox to stop things
   fi
-  prepare
   create_definition
   veewee_destroy # in case of left-over cruft from failed build
   add_on_exit veewee_destroy