diff --git a/dix/main.c b/dix/main.c
index bfc8addbe..38e29cebb 100644
--- a/dix/main.c
+++ b/dix/main.c
@@ -231,6 +231,8 @@ dix_main(int argc, char *argv[], char *envp[])
             FatalError("could not open default cursor font");
         }
 
+        rootCursor = RefCursor(rootCursor);
+
 #ifdef PANORAMIX
         /*
          * Consolidate window and colourmap information for each screen
@@ -271,6 +273,8 @@ dix_main(int argc, char *argv[], char *envp[])
 
         Dispatch();
 
+        UnrefCursor(rootCursor);
+
         UndisplayDevices();
         DisableAllDevices();