diff --git a/dist/src/lib/netpgp.c b/dist/src/lib/netpgp.c
index 81e5025..901f66a 100644
--- a/dist/src/lib/netpgp.c
+++ b/dist/src/lib/netpgp.c
@@ -1182,7 +1182,9 @@ netpgp_save_ring(netpgp_t           *netpgp,
         return 0;
     }
 
+    /* ensure temporary file isn't already existing */
     unlink(swpfile);
+
     if ((fd = pgp_setup_file_write(&output, swpfile, 0)) < 0) {
         (void) fprintf(io->errs, 
                 "netpgp_save_%s : can't setup write for %s\n", name, swpfile);
@@ -1209,7 +1211,12 @@ netpgp_save_ring(netpgp_t           *netpgp,
         return 0;
     }
 
-    rename(ringfile, backup);
+    /* save ring if "backup rings" variable is set */
+    if (netpgp_getvar(netpgp, "backup rings") != NULL) {
+        rename(ringfile, backup);
+    }
+
+    /* replace ring file with swap file */
     rename(swpfile, ringfile);
 
     return 1;