diff --git a/addons/crm_project_issue/project_issue.py b/addons/crm_project_issue/project_issue.py
index 1b71ea74ba7..c9eaa965223 100644
--- a/addons/crm_project_issue/project_issue.py
+++ b/addons/crm_project_issue/project_issue.py
@@ -44,8 +44,8 @@ class crm_lead_to_project_issue_wizard(osv.TransientModel):
             issue = Issue.browse(cr, uid, issue_id, context=None)
             # move the mail thread
             Lead.message_change_thread(cr, uid, [lead.id], issue, context=context)
-            # delete the lead
-            Lead.unlink(cr, uid, [lead.id], context=None)
+            # Archive the lead
+            Lead.write(cr, uid, [lead.id], {'active': False}, context=context)
         # return the action to go to the form view of the new Issue
         view_id = self.pool['ir.model.data'].xmlid_to_res_id(
             cr, uid, 'project_issue.project_issue_form_view')