Strange Computer Problem

[Indybird]

I just got a new computer from a computer that someone was going to throw away. It was a Dell Poweredge 400SC:

I took it because it is a very moddable case and it opens like this:

...Which is cool in itself.

Anyway, I ripped all of the dell junk out, drilled my own motherboard mounts (because dell used a locking mechanism not stand-offs) and mounted a Micro-ATX motherboard from a Sony Vaio. The computer runs fine when I have the side panel open. However the second I close it, Windows blue screens and the computer restarts. While starting up windows says it is missing files and won't start up. Mind you, all I did was close it. After careful observation I noticed that this only happens when only the top portion "clicks" into place.

Does anyone have any idea whats going on here?

-Indybird

By the way, I'll be doing some serious modding on this computer in the near future.

[Enigma]

Wow it almost sounds like there is some sort of switch there in the side panel, but that cannot be !?!?!?
Very strange anyway !!!

Maybe there some hidden cables you havent seen or something where the side opens ?

[nevermind1534]

On my optiplex with a similar case, there is a button that can tell the computer when it's closed or been open. You should also check to see that it doesn't move, disconnect, etc anything when you close it.

[Indybird]

It had a Chassis Intrusion button like you said, but not only did I not plug it in to the new mobo, but I couldn't.

Also, like I said I can essentially close it down to the last millimeter, but once the latch clicks in it shuts off and won't start.

-Indybird

[nevermind1534]

strange

[Airbozo]

Knowing those systems (and the subsequent models based on the same chassis), I would wager there is a cable in the way or some part of the chassis is touching the mobo when it clicks shut.

[FuzzyPlushroom]

Knowing those systems (and the subsequent models based on the same chassis), I would wager there is a cable in the way or some part of the chassis is touching the mobo when it clicks shut.

I'd bet on the same thing. It's got to be closing on the IDE cable.

[nevermind1534]

In that case, the IDE cable is in the right spot to be sandwiched between the two halves and folded, possibly ruining the cord, or at least disrupting the connection.

[Indybird]

I checked the IDE cables and they are definitely fine. Im ultra sure its nothing cable related because I can close the case all the way up until the final click of the top handle locking.

It can't be shorting the motherboard because when the bottom side touches it doesn't do anything, only the top. And the top and bottom are one piece of metal.

-Indybird

[nevermind1534]

Could the hard drive have become unbalanced somehow? I know it's very unlikely, but I guess anything is possible.