diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index b284705..0de94e9 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -112,7 +112,12 @@ install: verify_spir0
 	@$(SUDO) cp main.conf $(SYSCFG)/.
 
 # install cockpit
-	@$(SUDO) ./ensure-cockpit.sh
+	@if [ -x "$(CURDIR)/ensure-cockpit.sh" ]; then \
+		$(SUDO) $(CURDIR)/ensure-cockpit.sh; \
+	else \
+		echo "Error: ensure-cockpit.sh not found or not executable"; \
+		exit 1; \
+	fi
 
 # set up cockpit files
 	@$(SUDO) rm -rf /usr/share/cockpit/general/