I think you need to delete those files as well, then it works... [root@centos10 krb5kdc]# ll total 28 -rw------- 1 root root 29 Nov 13 09:36 kadm5.acl -rw------- 1 root root 29 Nov 13 09:24 kadm5.acl.rpmsave -rw------- 1 root root 29 Nov 13 09:36 kadm5.acly -rw------- 1 root root 448 Nov 13 09:35 kdc.conf -rw------- 1 root root 448 Nov 13 09:24 kdc.conf.rpmsave -rw------- 1 root root 8192 Nov 13 09:27 principal <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< -rw------- 1 root root 0 Nov 13 09:37 principal.ok<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< then it works [root@centos10 ~]# /usr/sbin/kdb5_util create -r BEER.LOC -s Loading random data Initializing database '/var/kerberos/krb5kdc/principal' for realm 'BEER.LOC', master key name 'K/M@BEER.LOC' You will be prompted for the database Master Password. It is important that you NOT FORGET this password. Enter KDC database master key: Re-enter KDC database master key to verify: [root@centos10 ~]# ... View more