diff --git a/src/flash/startup.tcl b/src/flash/startup.tcl
index fbb8d8ee4..ed905e942 100644
--- a/src/flash/startup.tcl
+++ b/src/flash/startup.tcl
@@ -62,8 +62,10 @@ proc program {filename args} {
 
 		if {[info exists reset]} {
 			# reset target if requested
-			# also disable target polling, we are shutting down anyway
-			poll off
+			if {$exit == 1} {
+				# also disable target polling, we are shutting down anyway
+				poll off
+			}
 			echo "** Resetting Target **"
 			reset run
 		}