diff --git a/reactos/base/system/services/database.c b/reactos/base/system/services/database.c
index 98917d5e560..6af37cb5ffb 100644
--- a/reactos/base/system/services/database.c
+++ b/reactos/base/system/services/database.c
@@ -566,8 +566,7 @@ done:;
 
     if (lpService != NULL)
     {
-        if (lpService->lpImage != NULL)
-            ScmDereferenceServiceImage(lpService->lpImage);
+        ASSERT(lpService->lpImage == NULL);
     }
 
     return dwError;
@@ -1085,6 +1084,7 @@ Done:
         dwControl == SERVICE_CONTROL_STOP)
     {
         ScmDereferenceServiceImage(Service->lpImage);
+        Service->lpImage = NULL;
     }
 
     LeaveCriticalSection(&ControlServiceCriticalSection);