diff --git a/arch/openrisc/lib/bootm.c b/arch/openrisc/lib/bootm.c
index 7f716b8..24ca0a7 100644
--- a/arch/openrisc/lib/bootm.c
+++ b/arch/openrisc/lib/bootm.c
@@ -41,6 +41,12 @@
 	void	(*kernel) (unsigned int);
 	ulong	rd_data_start, rd_data_end;
 
+	/*
+	 * allow the PREP bootm subcommand, it is required for bootm to work
+	 */
+	if (flag & BOOTM_STATE_OS_PREP)
+		return 0;
+
 	if ((flag != 0) && (flag != BOOTM_STATE_OS_GO))
 		return 1;