diff --git a/Makefile.am b/Makefile.am
index 45aad49b..5d373e26 100644
--- a/Makefile.am
+++ b/Makefile.am
@@ -108,7 +108,9 @@ dist_procpsng_DATA = \
 	Documentation/BUGS \
 	Documentation/FAQ
 
-BUILT_SOURCES = $(top_srcdir)/.version
+@ if [ -f $(top_srcdir)/.version ]; then \
+  BUILT_SOURCES = $(top_srcdir)/.version \
+fi
 $(top_srcdir)/.version:
 	echo $(VERSION) > $@-t && mv $@-t $@
 dist-hook: