diff --git a/src/options.c b/src/options.c
index ae23b469e..20cc5d1ac 100644
--- a/src/options.c
+++ b/src/options.c
@@ -1514,11 +1514,12 @@ boolean tinitial, tfrom_file;
 # ifdef MAC
 	    }
 # endif
+#ifdef WIN32CON
+	    op = string_for_opt(opts, TRUE);
+	    if (!alternative_palette(op))
+		badoption(opts);
+#else
 	    if ((op = string_for_opt(opts, FALSE)) != (char *)0) {
-# ifdef WIN32CON
-		if (!alternative_palette(op))
-			badoption(opts);
-# else
 		char *pt = op;
 		int cnt, tmp, reverse;
 		long rgb;
@@ -1558,8 +1559,8 @@ boolean tinitial, tfrom_file;
 		    change_color(color_number, rgb, reverse);
 		    color_number += color_incr;
 		}
-# endif	/* !WIN32CON */
 	    }
+# endif	/* !WIN32CON */
 	    if (!initial) {
 		need_redraw = TRUE;
 	    }
diff --git a/sys/winnt/nttty.c b/sys/winnt/nttty.c
index 0d5812a55..1c641c1f8 100644
--- a/sys/winnt/nttty.c
+++ b/sys/winnt/nttty.c
@@ -1087,7 +1087,6 @@ long rgb;
 		/* copy the NetHack palette into UserDefinedColors */
 		for (k=0; k < CLR_MAX; k++)
 			UserDefinedColors[k] = NetHackColors[k];
-		return;
 	} else if (color_number >= 0 && color_number < CLR_MAX) {
 		if (!altered_palette) {
 			/* make sure a full suite is available */