diff --git a/projects/build-openssl.bat b/projects/build-openssl.bat
index 207ecf8bf..c1c3bbaf5 100644
--- a/projects/build-openssl.bat
+++ b/projects/build-openssl.bat
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ rem ***************************************************************************
   rem Check we are running on a Windows NT derived OS
   if not "%OS%" == "Windows_NT" goto nodos
   setlocal
+  set VC_VER=
+  set BUILD_PLATFORM=
   
   rem Display the help
   if /i "%~1" == "" goto syntax
@@ -86,6 +88,10 @@ rem ***************************************************************************
   shift & goto parseArgs
 
 :prerequisites
+  rem Compiler and platform are required parameters.
+  if not defined VC_VER goto syntax
+  if not defined BUILD_PLATFORM goto syntax
+
   rem Default the start directory if one isn't specified
   if not defined START_DIR set START_DIR=..\..\openssl