diff --git a/src/add-ons/kernel/drivers/misc/poke.c b/src/add-ons/kernel/drivers/misc/poke.c
index 700cc8470b..0e4da7ef7f 100644
--- a/src/add-ons/kernel/drivers/misc/poke.c
+++ b/src/add-ons/kernel/drivers/misc/poke.c
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ int32 api_version = B_CUR_DRIVER_API_VERSION;
 isa_module_info* isa;
 pci_module_info* pci;
 
-static uint32 open_count;
+static vint32 open_count;
 
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////