diff --git a/ide/frames/compiler_path_options.pas b/ide/frames/compiler_path_options.pas
index 7c26b4ca2c..406416079c 100644
--- a/ide/frames/compiler_path_options.pas
+++ b/ide/frames/compiler_path_options.pas
@@ -343,7 +343,7 @@ begin
   end;
 
   // check for special characters
-  if (not IDEMacros.StrHasMacros(CurPath)) then
+  if (not IDEMacros.StrHasMacros(ExpandedPath)) then
   begin
     FindSpecialCharsInPath(ExpandedPath, HasChars);
     if Ord(Level) <= Ord(ccomlWarning) then