Aurora R7, difficulty in closing left panel

Question

Hi,

I opened my left panel about 3 times since I got my R7 in March 2018. The last time I tried to close it “with a click” as the Dell manual says, it won’t lock. No matter hard I pushed the top of the case (and yes I had the feet of the panel in their slots), the left panel wouldn’t “click” or lock. It would just pop back out and the panel would fall out.

After about out an hour of this I finally pulled the black panel unlock hAnsley as hard as I can, pushed the top of the case in, then released the handle and tightened the screw as hard as I could. This kept the panel on, although for how long I don’t know. Since there is a small gap on the top edge of the panel where the panel meets the top piece, I think a little pressure with my fingernail in that gap would pop it off again.

Previously, I had no problems easily locking the left panel in. In fact, I didn’t even use the screw on the handle.

Anyone have clues why the left panel won’t snap into place like the Alienware videos show. I’m afraid to open the case again since I might never get the left panel on again without big rubber bands:)

Tesla1856 · Accepted Answer

It can be tricky.

Insert in bottom edge. Watch your front alignment.

As you are gently pushing top edge into place, the bottom edge will slip-into-place better. On mine, the top then snaps into final position. Hopefully, yours is not damaged.

It's not like on the Aurora-R1, but this R7 side-panel doesn't weight 20 lbs either. :Smile:

OmenRIP · Answer

Tesla1856,

Thank you for the detailed info on closing the left panel. Tricky is the word for it :)

when you close the panel do you pull on the black opening handle to tension it? When I couldn’t get it on I started pulling the black release handle then try to hook the 3 metal catches in the hole. Maybe I’m not pushing the top of the left side to make the 3 clips connect. The pieces that hold the clips all look fine.

I hope I don’t have to get a new left panel or even a chassis 😞

rmjohnson144 · Answer

I have this issue as well for several months. It just won't pop into place. I keep pushing down and it won't go.

Is there a trick to it? I mean I've done this a million times it seems and it won't go. Maybe the bottom clips are bent, but I can't tell as they are curved in different directions.

This seems overly complicated for a simple task.

Kronic_Gaming · Answer

I'm having this issue now, was working fine before then I popped it off added a HD and now it wont pop back on, pops into place then just bounces out like there is something pushing it back. Any info or reason for this?

FinalTouch68 · Answer

On my R8 some times I do not push the PSU in the right way. That makes the door very hard to get closed.

Tesla1856 · Answer

At an angle, carefully hook-it-in at the bottom FIRST, then gently press to top into place and it will latch.

Alienware Desktops

Aurora R7, difficulty in closing left panel

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