You receive pre-authentication errors when you use keytab files that are generated by using the Ktpass.exe tool on a Windows Server 2003 SP1-based computer

Consider the following scenario. You use the Ktpass tool (Ktpass.exe) to create a Kerberos keytab file on a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1)-based computer. When you use Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) over a Security Sockets Layer (SSL) connection, the Ktpass tool does not set the account password correctly in Active Directory. When you then use the keytab files that were created by using the Ktpass tool, pre-authentication errors occur.

This problem occurs because of an issue with the Ktpass tool that is included with Windows Server 2003 SP1. The Ktpass tool does not reset the password correctly by using LDAP over SSL.

The Ktpass tool salts the password incorrectly when it generates keytabs for computer accounts. The Ktpass tool uses the host name part of the servicePrincipalName attribute instead of the samAccountName attribute that the Key Distribution Center (KDC) uses to salt the password. The incorrectly generated keytab files that are created by using incorrect salts cause the authentication failure.

Service pack information

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows Server 2003. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

Your computer must be running Windows Server 2003 SP1 to install this hotfix.

Restart Requirement

You do not have to restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix Replacement Information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File Information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003, Itanium-based version

Windows Server 2003, x64-based version

Windows Server 2003, x86-based version

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section. This problem was first corrected in Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2.

For more information about the description of the terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: