diff --git a/indra/newview/llviewerwindow.cpp b/indra/newview/llviewerwindow.cpp
index 403288b2fddfdfea89b4503cefa872c24bdbab7c..a10baacb070f62538b03abdb2581df664aba460a 100755
--- a/indra/newview/llviewerwindow.cpp
+++ b/indra/newview/llviewerwindow.cpp
@@ -2561,9 +2561,16 @@ BOOL LLViewerWindow::handleKey(KEY key, MASK mask)
 	// If "Pressing letter keys starts local chat" option is selected, we are not in mouselook, 
 	// no view has keyboard focus, this is a printable character key (and no modifier key is 
 	// pressed except shift), then give focus to nearby chat (STORM-560)
-	if ( nearby_chat && gSavedSettings.getS32("LetterKeysFocusChatBar") && !gAgentCamera.cameraMouselook() &&
+	if ( gSavedSettings.getS32("LetterKeysFocusChatBar") && !gAgentCamera.cameraMouselook() &&
 		!keyboard_focus && key < 0x80 && (mask == MASK_NONE || mask == MASK_SHIFT) )
 	{
+		// Initialize nearby chat if it's missing
+		if (!nearby_chat)
+		{	
+			LLSD name("im_container");
+			LLFloaterReg::toggleInstanceOrBringToFront(name);
+		}
+
 		LLChatEntry* chat_editor = LLFloaterReg::findTypedInstance<LLNearbyChat>("nearby_chat")->getChatBox();
 		if (chat_editor)
 		{