diff --git a/cde/programs/dtfile/SharedMsgs.c b/cde/programs/dtfile/SharedMsgs.c
index 2813bcbb4..d3f834a50 100644
--- a/cde/programs/dtfile/SharedMsgs.c
+++ b/cde/programs/dtfile/SharedMsgs.c
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@
 #include "SharedMsgs.h"
 
 
-
+static char unknownmessage[] = "***Unknown shared message***";
 
 /************************************************************************
  *
@@ -150,5 +150,8 @@ GetSharedMessage(
          return GETMESSAGE(30,21, "File Move Error");
       case FILE_LINK_ERROR_TITLE:
          return GETMESSAGE(30,22, "File Link Error");
+      default:
+         fprintf(stderr, "GetSharedMessage: unknown message %d\n", id);
+         return unknownmessage;
    }
 }