diff --git a/src/vendor/core/dom/focusNode.js b/src/vendor/core/dom/focusNode.js
index 9c7723e493..0c0ae60156 100644
--- a/src/vendor/core/dom/focusNode.js
+++ b/src/vendor/core/dom/focusNode.js
@@ -19,14 +19,15 @@
 "use strict";
 
 /**
- * IE8 throws if an input/textarea is disabled and we try to focus it.
- * Focus only when necessary.
- *
  * @param {DOMElement} node input/textarea to focus
  */
 function focusNode(node) {
-  if (!node.disabled) {
+  // IE8 can throw "Can't move focus to the control because it is invisible,
+  // not enabled, or of a type that does not accept the focus." for all kinds of
+  // reasons that are too expensive and fragile to test.
+  try {
     node.focus();
+  } catch(e) {
   }
 }