diff --git a/qubes/app.py b/qubes/app.py
index bdc2c904..b9619fa0 100644
--- a/qubes/app.py
+++ b/qubes/app.py
@@ -1196,7 +1196,9 @@ class Qubes(qubes.PropertyHolder):
                         self.log.error(
                             'Cannot remove %s, used by %s.%s',
                             vm, obj, prop.__name__)
-                        raise qubes.exc.QubesVMInUseError(vm)
+                        raise qubes.exc.QubesVMInUseError(vm,
+                            'Domain is in use: {!r}; details in system log'
+                                .format(vm.name))
                 except AttributeError:
                     pass