cpu cabinet

[mocha]

Hello all,

My computer recently crashed (seemingly), happened over a few days. Seemed like a malware of sorts.
Since I have little time to fix, i continued using it in safe mode. Then it wouldn't start and made a beeping sound when I tried. So I checked the RAM and found one of them just barely out of its slot.
If it was a prank it was a good one, to make it gradually come out. I did even think of reinstalling the OS.
Anyways, while opening the cabinet I noticed a switch that would go off when I opened the side panel. Don't remember seeing this before.
I was wondering why there should be a switch there and couldn't come up with a reasonable explanation.
Any ideas?

[Aegis]

The switch may deactivate power to the motherboard, so that the computer cannot be started if the case is open.  This is done, on certain brands, as a safety precaution.

[mocha]

But I am working now with the panel open, so it must be deactivated if you are right. Do you think it might be a bios option?

[Aegis]

Possible.  Probably not. 

Might be a way to use a clamp or tape to keep the switch depressed in the on position.

Be careful.

[Geek-9pm]

The documentation may say that sit is for intrusion detect.

[Aegis]

Yes -- I forgot about that.  Then you may just get a message that the case has been opened.

[patio]

If the machine has a chassis intrusion switch then YES there will be an option in the BIOS to turn it on/off...