diff --git a/src/files.c b/src/files.c
index faaf43c60..a061b6dff 100644
--- a/src/files.c
+++ b/src/files.c
@@ -3097,6 +3097,7 @@ cnf_line_HILITE_STATUS(char *bufp)
 #ifdef STATUS_HILITES
     return parse_status_hl1(bufp, TRUE);
 #else
+    nuUse(bufp);
     return TRUE;
 #endif
 }