diff --git a/commands/fbtest.c b/commands/fbtest.c
index e5dd8ba..ff24a82 100644
--- a/commands/fbtest.c
+++ b/commands/fbtest.c
@@ -271,8 +271,9 @@
 
 	sc = fb_open(fbdev);
 	if (IS_ERR(sc)) {
-		perror("fd_open");
-		return PTR_ERR(sc);
+		int ret = -PTR_ERR(sc);
+		printf("fb_open: %s\n", strerror(ret));
+		return ret;
 	}
 
 	if (!pattern_name) {
diff --git a/commands/splash.c b/commands/splash.c
index 2b70b29..abd8287 100644
--- a/commands/splash.c
+++ b/commands/splash.c
@@ -54,8 +54,9 @@
 
 	sc = fb_open(fbdev);
 	if (IS_ERR(sc)) {
-		perror("fd_open");
-		return PTR_ERR(sc);
+		int ret = -PTR_ERR(sc);
+		printf("fb_open: %s\n", strerror(ret));
+		return ret;
 	}
 
 	buf = gui_screen_render_buffer(sc);