diff --git a/client/ss_logic.C b/client/ss_logic.C
index 135f6461db..b5e6abe011 100644
--- a/client/ss_logic.C
+++ b/client/ss_logic.C
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ void SS_LOGIC::start_ss(time_t new_blank_time) {
     if (do_ss) return;
     do_ss = true;
     do_blank = do_boinc_logo_ss = false;
-    sprintf(ss_msg, "");
+    strcpy(ss_msg, "");
     blank_time = new_blank_time;
     gstate.active_tasks.save_app_modes();
     gstate.active_tasks.hide_apps();
@@ -60,14 +60,14 @@ void SS_LOGIC::poll() {
                 }
             }
             do_boinc_logo_ss = false;
-            sprintf(ss_msg, "");
+            strcpy(ss_msg, "");
             do_blank = true;
         } else {
             atp = gstate.active_tasks.get_app_requested(MODE_FULLSCREEN);
             if (atp) {
                 if (atp->graphics_acked_mode == MODE_FULLSCREEN) {
                     do_boinc_logo_ss = false;
-                    sprintf(ss_msg, "");
+                    strcpy(ss_msg, "");
                 } else {
                     if (time(0)>ack_deadline) {
                         do_boinc_logo_ss = true;