diff --git a/contrib/scripts/install_prereq b/contrib/scripts/install_prereq
index a47f38b103..0e6fbcf81a 100755
--- a/contrib/scripts/install_prereq
+++ b/contrib/scripts/install_prereq
@@ -97,6 +97,7 @@ check_installed_pkgs() {
 
 handle_debian() {
 	extra_packs=`check_installed_debs $PACKAGES_DEBIAN`
+	$testcmd aptitude update
 	$testcmd aptitude install -y $extra_packs
 }