diff --git a/rogue5/mdport.c b/rogue5/mdport.c
index b246e2d..b85ec98 100644
--- a/rogue5/mdport.c
+++ b/rogue5/mdport.c
@@ -485,10 +485,10 @@ md_gethomedir(void)
     if (pw != NULL)
         h = pw->pw_dir;
     else
-        h = NULL;
+        h = "";
 
     if (strcmp(h,"/") == 0)
-        h = NULL;
+        h = "";
 #endif
     homedir[0] = 0;
 #ifdef _WIN32