diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/philes.c b/harbour/source/rtl/philes.c
index 7cd7f25cb1..b822a1e2fc 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/philes.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/philes.c
@@ -96,7 +96,8 @@ HB_FUNC( FREAD )
    {
       PHB_ITEM pItem = hb_itemUnRef( hb_stackItemFromBase( 2 ) );
 
-      if( pItem->item.asString.bStatic == TRUE )
+      if( pItem->item.asString.bStatic == TRUE ||
+          ( * pItem->item.asString.puiHolders ) > 1 )
          hb_itemPutC( pItem, hb_parc( 2 ) );
 
       ulRead = hb_parnl( 3 );