diff --git a/inc/inc.ClassSettings.php b/inc/inc.ClassSettings.php
index 5c1be1cfc..b2bcada0e 100644
--- a/inc/inc.ClassSettings.php
+++ b/inc/inc.ClassSettings.php
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@ 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