diff --git a/client/client_state.C b/client/client_state.C
index 8e78f52836..3dd4e2dda1 100644
--- a/client/client_state.C
+++ b/client/client_state.C
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ CLIENT_STATE::CLIENT_STATE() {
     core_client_version.minor = BOINC_MINOR_VERSION;
     core_client_version.release = BOINC_RELEASE;
     platform_name = HOSTTYPE;
-    alt_platform_name = HOSTTYPE;
+    alt_platform_name = HOSTTYPEALT;
     exit_after_app_start_secs = 0;
     app_started = 0;
     exit_before_upload = false;