diff --git a/www/go.sh b/www/go.sh
index ebf8278..720fbe5 100755
--- a/www/go.sh
+++ b/www/go.sh
@@ -99,7 +99,9 @@ if [ "$RESTART_FRONT_END" = true ]; then
 
     # generate the certs and grab a backup
     if [ "$RUN_CERT_RENEWAL" = true ] && [ "$RESTORE_CERTS" = false ]; then
-        ./generate_certs.sh
+        if [ "$STOP_SERVICES" = false ]; then
+            ./generate_certs.sh
+        fi
     fi
 
     # let's backup all our letsencrypt certs