diff --git a/core/loadrom.c b/core/loadrom.c
index 0e1d4b5..c9e3b0d 100644
--- a/core/loadrom.c
+++ b/core/loadrom.c
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  *  ROM Loading Support
  *
  *  Copyright (C) 1998-2003  Charles Mac Donald (original code)
- *  Copyright (C) 2007-2016  Eke-Eke (Genesis Plus GX)
+ *  Copyright (C) 2007-2017  Eke-Eke (Genesis Plus GX)
  *
  *  Redistribution and use of this code or any derivative works are permitted
  *  provided that the following conditions are met:
@@ -534,8 +534,8 @@ int load_rom(char *filename)
 #ifdef USE_DYNAMIC_ALLOC
   if (!ext)
   {
-    /* allocate memory for Cartridge / CD hardware if required */
-    ext = (external_t *)malloc(sizeof(external_t));
+    /* allocate & initialize memory for Cartridge / CD hardware if required */
+    ext = (external_t *)calloc(1, sizeof(external_t));
     if (!ext) return (0);
   }
 #endif
diff --git a/core/loadrom.h b/core/loadrom.h
index 8807034..5809a76 100644
--- a/core/loadrom.h
+++ b/core/loadrom.h
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
  *  ROM Loading Support
  *
  *  Copyright (C) 1998-2003  Charles Mac Donald (original code)
- *  Copyright (C) 2007-2016  Eke-Eke (Genesis Plus GX)
+ *  Copyright (C) 2007-2017  Eke-Eke (Genesis Plus GX)
  *
  *  Redistribution and use of this code or any derivative works are permitted
  *  provided that the following conditions are met: