diff --git a/inc/inc.ClassSettings.php b/inc/inc.ClassSettings.php
index 5cc4e84d3..bc4a181b6 100644
--- a/inc/inc.ClassSettings.php
+++ b/inc/inc.ClassSettings.php
@@ -280,7 +280,7 @@ class Settings { /* {{{ */
 	// number of days in the past of the dashboard
 	var $_daysPastDashboard = 7;
 	// list of folders not considered for dashboard
-	var $_excludeFoldersDashboard = '';
+	var $_excludeFoldersDashboard = [];
 	// enable/disable help
 	var $_enableHelp = true;
 	// enable/disable language selection menu