diff --git a/servers/torrent.py b/servers/torrent.py
index 0e9e56bd..b13091d3 100755
--- a/servers/torrent.py
+++ b/servers/torrent.py
@@ -94,8 +94,8 @@ def elementum_monitor():
             Monitor = json['monitor']
         # else create it
         else:
-            json = jsontools.load('{"monitor":{},"settings":{}}')
-            json = jsontools.dump(json)
+            Monitor = jsontools.load('{"monitor":{},"settings":{}}')
+            json = jsontools.dump(Monitor)
             filetools.write(monitor, json, silent=True)
 
         if len(Monitor) > 0:
diff --git a/service.py b/service.py
index f9509be1..5ac60ff5 100644
--- a/service.py
+++ b/service.py
@@ -385,7 +385,10 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
 
     # mark as stopped all downloads (if we are here, probably kodi just started)
     from specials.downloads import stop_all
-    stop_all()
+    try:
+        stop_all()
+    except:
+        logger.error(traceback.format_exc())
 
     while True:
         schedule.run_pending()