diff --git a/plogical/IncScheduler.py b/plogical/IncScheduler.py
index 2ab388aaa..f29bcfca0 100644
--- a/plogical/IncScheduler.py
+++ b/plogical/IncScheduler.py
@@ -1484,7 +1484,10 @@ Automatic Backupv2 failed for %s on %s.
         try:
             from loginSystem.models import Administrator
             admin = Administrator.objects.get(pk=1)
-            config = json.loads(admin.config)
+            try:
+                config = json.loads(admin.config)
+            except:
+                config = {}
 
             ### probably need to add temporary dns resolver nameserver here - pending
 
diff --git a/plogical/virtualHostUtilities.py b/plogical/virtualHostUtilities.py
index 028e07b86..c199ab08a 100644
--- a/plogical/virtualHostUtilities.py
+++ b/plogical/virtualHostUtilities.py
@@ -64,7 +64,10 @@ class virtualHostUtilities:
 
         logging.CyberCPLogFileWriter.statusWriter(tempStatusPath, 'Setting up hostname,10')
         admin = Administrator.objects.get(pk=1)
-        config = json.loads(admin.config)
+        try:
+            config = json.loads(admin.config)
+        except:
+            config = {}
 
         ### probably need to add temporary dns resolver nameserver here - pending