diff --git a/src/teletext/ui.py b/src/teletext/ui.py
index 80cfb79..731ab3f 100644
--- a/src/teletext/ui.py
+++ b/src/teletext/ui.py
@@ -121,6 +121,7 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
         
         self.service = TeletextService()
         self.current_page: Page = None
+        self.current_file_path = None
         self.clipboard = [] # List of (row, data_bytes)
         self.undo_stack = []
         self.redo_stack = []
@@ -520,9 +521,9 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
 
     def save_file(self) -> bool:
         if not self.current_file_path:
-             fname, _ = QFileDialog.getSaveFileName(self, "Save T42", "", "Teletext Files (*.t42)")
-             if not fname: return False
-             self.current_file_path = fname
+             # User requested status message instead of Save As behavior for empty state
+             self.status_label.setText("No file loaded to save. Please use 'Save As...' or 'Open' first.")
+             return False
         
         try:
             self.progress_bar.setVisible(True)