diff --git a/demos/sdcard/cmd_asave.h b/demos/sdcard/cmd_asave.h
index 4f5302b..f00d1fd 100644
--- a/demos/sdcard/cmd_asave.h
+++ b/demos/sdcard/cmd_asave.h
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ word const *VARTAB = (word *) 0x0069;
 word const *PRGEND = (word *) 0x00AF;
 
 void comando_asave() {
+   VIA_init();  // needed when called from Applesoft basic after a RESET
+
    woz_puts("SAVING\r");
 
    // appends #F8 + start address (normally: "0801")
diff --git a/demos/sdcard/cmd_load.h b/demos/sdcard/cmd_load.h
index 1a9abbd..a677a29 100644
--- a/demos/sdcard/cmd_load.h
+++ b/demos/sdcard/cmd_load.h
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 // global cmd
 
 void comando_load_bas() {
+   VIA_init();  // needed when called from Applesoft basic after a RESET
 
    // send command byte
    send_byte_to_MCU(CMD_LOAD);