diff --git a/meta/classes/testimage.bbclass b/meta/classes/testimage.bbclass
index 691c7f6785..285c6a9d42 100644
--- a/meta/classes/testimage.bbclass
+++ b/meta/classes/testimage.bbclass
@@ -209,8 +209,8 @@ def testimage_main(d):
 
     target.deploy()
 
+    target.start()
     try:
-        target.start()
         if export:
             exportTests(d,tc)
         else:
diff --git a/meta/lib/oeqa/targetcontrol.py b/meta/lib/oeqa/targetcontrol.py
index 02cb370f2e..ff1bb89176 100644
--- a/meta/lib/oeqa/targetcontrol.py
+++ b/meta/lib/oeqa/targetcontrol.py
@@ -124,6 +124,7 @@ class QemuTarget(BaseTarget):
             self.server_ip = self.runner.server_ip
             self.connection = SSHControl(ip=self.ip, logfile=self.sshlog)
         else:
+            self.stop()
             raise bb.build.FuncFailed("%s - FAILED to start qemu - check the task log and the boot log" % self.pn)
 
     def stop(self):