diff --git a/autogen.sh b/autogen.sh
index 193ae3cd..d9cbcfca 100755
--- a/autogen.sh
+++ b/autogen.sh
@@ -1,12 +1,26 @@
 #!/bin/sh
 
+if [ -e INSTALL ]; then
+    have_INSTALL=true
+else
+    have_INSTALL=false
+fi
+
 mkdir autotools
 
 aclocal
 autoheader
-automake
+automake -ac
 autoconf
 automake
 
+# The INSTALL file is autogenerated, so it isn't stored in version control.
+# As the file isn't present, automake's -a option will install generic
+# install instructions.  So remove INSTALL if automake installed one.
+
+if ! $have_INSTALL; then
+    rm -f INSTALL
+fi
+
 ./configure "$@"