diff --git a/lib/active_file/base.rb b/lib/active_file/base.rb
index d337654b..83e5a82d 100644
--- a/lib/active_file/base.rb
+++ b/lib/active_file/base.rb
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def extension
       protected :extension
 
       def actual_root_path
-        root_path  || Dir.pwd
+        root_path  || File.dirname(File.realpath(__FILE__))
       end
       protected :actual_root_path