diff --git a/install_matpower.m b/install_matpower.m
index df352bb4..0a76f693 100644
--- a/install_matpower.m
+++ b/install_matpower.m
@@ -284,6 +284,7 @@
 
     %% remove old paths
     if rm_oldpaths
+        oldpaths = oldpaths(~strcmp(oldpaths, '.')); 
         rmpath(oldpaths{:});
         if verbose
             fprintf(div_line);