Index: src_plugins/hid_lesstif/main.c
===================================================================
--- src_plugins/hid_lesstif/main.c	(revision 24738)
+++ src_plugins/hid_lesstif/main.c	(revision 24739)
@@ -1757,7 +1757,7 @@
 	stdarg(XmNmessageWindow, messages);
 	XtSetValues(mainwind, stdarg_args, stdarg_n);
 
-	if (background_image_file)
+	if ((background_image_file != NULL) && (*background_image_file != '\0'))
 		LoadBackgroundImage(background_image_file);
 
 	XtRealizeWidget(appwidget);