diff --git a/cde/programs/dtfile/File.c b/cde/programs/dtfile/File.c
index 93eca6d81..68397facf 100644
--- a/cde/programs/dtfile/File.c
+++ b/cde/programs/dtfile/File.c
@@ -4934,7 +4934,7 @@ DropOnRootCB (
    int numFiles;
    int effScreenWidth;
    int effScreenHeight;
-   int start_x, start_y;
+   int start_x = 0, start_y = 0;
    int root_x, root_y;
    int step, dstep;