The Stop 0x31 message indicates that system startup failed during Phase 0 of the Executive initialization. During Phase 0, interrupts are disabled and the HAL is initialized. Several Executive components are started: the memory manager, object manager, security reference monitor, process manager, and the Plug and Play manager. This error indicates a failure of one of those components.

Note
This Stop message includes no parameters.

Troubleshooting the Stop 0x31 Error

A Stop error during Phase 0 initialization might indicate a problem with outdated firmware, corrupted kernel or HAL files, or faulty hardware. The most likely cause is a newly installed or upgraded hardware component. Systems configured to automatically restart after a Stop error tend to experience this error repeatedly until an administrator intervenes. To troubleshoot the Stop error, run the hardware diagnostics program included with your devices or replace them with new parts. If system files have recently been replaced, restoring those system files might prevent the failure. Also, verify that your motherboard firmware and peripheral firmware versions are current.
If you cannot isolate any specific hardware problems, try running Windows Server 2003 Setup again. If the same error message appears, record the information in the Stop message and contact a Microsoft support technician.