diff --git a/meta/conf/machine/include/qemu.inc b/meta/conf/machine/include/qemu.inc
index 10ab76ed6b..66b0caa5a9 100644
--- a/meta/conf/machine/include/qemu.inc
+++ b/meta/conf/machine/include/qemu.inc
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ PREFERRED_PROVIDER_virtual/xserver ?= "xserver-kdrive"
 
 MACHINE_FEATURES = "apm alsa pcmcia bluetooth irda usbgadget screen"
 
-IMAGE_FSTYPES ?= "tar.bz2 ext3"
+IMAGE_FSTYPES += "tar.bz2 ext3"
 
 ROOT_FLASH_SIZE = "280"