diff --git a/lib/network.py b/lib/network.py
index 07b65be5f..7e7e06bbf 100644
--- a/lib/network.py
+++ b/lib/network.py
@@ -949,8 +949,8 @@ class Network(util.DaemonThread):
     def init_headers_file(self):
         b = self.blockchains[0]
         filename = b.path()
-        if not os.path.exists(filename):
-            length = 80 * len(bitcoin.NetworkConstants.CHECKPOINTS) * 2016
+        length = 80 * len(bitcoin.NetworkConstants.CHECKPOINTS) * 2016
+        if not os.path.exists(filename) or os.path.getsize(filename) < length:
             with open(filename, 'wb') as f:
                 if length>0:
                     f.seek(length-1)