diff --git a/base/testfiles/github-1632.lvt b/base/testfiles/github-1632.lvt
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c05ad6552
--- /dev/null
+++ b/base/testfiles/github-1632.lvt
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+\documentclass{article}
+\input{test2e}
+
+\begin{document}
+
+\START
+\section{aaa}
+% this should not error
+\arabic*
+
+\refstepcounter{*}
+
+\typeout{section counter: 2=\arabic*}
+
+\alph*
+
+\section{aaa}
+
+\subsection{bb}
+\subsection{bbb}
+
+\addtocounter{*}{5}
+
+\typeout{subsection counter: roman 7 = \roman*}
+
+% this should not error
+\begin{enumerate}
+\item \Roman*
+\end{enumerate}
+
+% these should both error
+\counterwithin{equation}{*}
+
+\counterwithout{*}{equation}
+
+\end{document}
diff --git a/base/testfiles/github-1632.tlg b/base/testfiles/github-1632.tlg
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..bfb4d1dee
--- /dev/null
+++ b/base/testfiles/github-1632.tlg
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+This is a generated file for the LaTeX2e validation system.
+Don't change this file in any respect.
+section counter: 2=2
+subsection counter: roman 7 = vii
+! LaTeX Error: No counter '*' defined.
+See the LaTeX manual or LaTeX Companion for explanation.
+Type  H <return>  for immediate help.
+ ...                                              
+l. ...\counterwithin{equation}{*}
+Your command was ignored.
+Type  I <command> <return>  to replace it with another command,
+or  <return>  to continue without it.
+! LaTeX Error: No counter '*' defined.
+See the LaTeX manual or LaTeX Companion for explanation.
+Type  H <return>  for immediate help.
+ ...                                              
+l. ...\counterwithout{*}{equation}
+Your command was ignored.
+Type  I <command> <return>  to replace it with another command,
+or  <return>  to continue without it.
+[1
+] (github-1632.aux)