diff --git a/t/t1410-reflog.sh b/t/t1410-reflog.sh
index 738d1513d4..8e8d526ef2 100755
--- a/t/t1410-reflog.sh
+++ b/t/t1410-reflog.sh
@@ -71,6 +71,8 @@ test_expect_success setup '
 	check_fsck &&
 
 	chmod +x C &&
+	( test "`git repo-config --bool core.filemode`" != false ||
+	  echo executable >>C ) &&
 	git add C &&
 	test_tick && git commit -m dragon &&
 	L=`git rev-parse --verify HEAD` &&