diff --git a/py4DSTEM/process/phase/ptychographic_methods.py b/py4DSTEM/process/phase/ptychographic_methods.py
index 14d8a82b1..0c1273123 100644
--- a/py4DSTEM/process/phase/ptychographic_methods.py
+++ b/py4DSTEM/process/phase/ptychographic_methods.py
@@ -277,6 +277,11 @@ def _reset_reconstruction(
             else:
                 self.error_iterations = []
                 self._exit_waves = None
+        else:
+            # reset=False first start
+            if not hasattr(self, "error"):
+                self.error_iterations = []
+                self._exit_waves = None
 
     @property
     def object_fft(self):
@@ -3413,6 +3418,14 @@ def _reset_reconstruction(
                     self._exit_waves = [None] * len(self._probes_all)
                 else:
                     self._exit_waves = None
+        else:
+            # reset=False first start
+            if not hasattr(self, "error"):
+                self.error_iterations = []
+                if use_projection_scheme:
+                    self._exit_waves = [None] * len(self._probes_all)
+                else:
+                    self._exit_waves = None
 
     def _return_single_probe(self, probe=None):
         """Current probe estimate"""