diff --git a/modules/file/file.module b/modules/file/file.module
--- a/modules/file/file.module
+++ b/modules/file/file.module
@@ -494,7 +494,7 @@
   }
 
   // Process any input and save new uploads.
-  if ($input !== FALSE) {
+  if ($input !== FALSE && $input !== NULL) {
     $return = $input;
 
     // Uploads take priority over all other values.