diff --git a/dev/windows/src/org/eclipse/swt/browser/WebSite.java b/dev/windows/src/org/eclipse/swt/browser/WebSite.java
index aba1dd3..824a3ed 100644
--- a/dev/windows/src/org/eclipse/swt/browser/WebSite.java
+++ b/dev/windows/src/org/eclipse/swt/browser/WebSite.java
@@ -38,8 +38,9 @@
  */
 public boolean startGears() {
   // Get the classID of the Gears BHO.
+  GUID appClsid = null;
   try {
-    GUID appClsid = getClassID("gears.BHO");
+    appClsid = getClassID("gears.BHO");
     if (appClsid == null) {
       return false;
     }