diff --git a/setup.py b/setup.py
index b4848267..ffa03eef 100755
--- a/setup.py
+++ b/setup.py
@@ -54,7 +54,9 @@ def normalize(v):
     if os.path.exists(os.path.join(re2_prefix, "include", "re2")):
         break
 else:
-    raise OSError("Cannot find RE2 library. Please install it from http://code.google.com/p/re2/wiki/Install")
+    # Hopefully the build environment is setup to include the re2 library
+    # default, so try with an empty prefix.
+    re2_prefix = ''
 
 BASE_DIR = os.path.dirname(__file__)