Using my Compaq nc6220 laptop the computer has been overheating, and locks up. I've tried to elevate it up off of the bed, and I always make sure the vents are not blocked. I think there is something wrong with the fan.

You can download the audio and device drivers from the Compaq/HP WEB support/download page. Make sure you select your model laptop and the Windows drivers you require and install them. Click on this link to download the drivers: -
www.compaq.com/country/cpq_support.html

usually located in a door on underside of laptop

Here are several solutions that may help with your problem. First of all the vents for this or any laptop can't be covered this will cause any laptop to overheat. Don't cover the vents also make sure your laptop is on a hard smooth surface putting your laptop on blankets, quilts or a soft surface like a sofa or bed may not allow it to breathe and cause overheating.

Second, Check your power management settings. They control CPU speed which will help with
overheating. If the computer has had the OS reinstalled make sure that the dirvers for this are
properly installed and power management is working correctly.

If using the laptop for heavy duty games and functions like video rendering for long periods of time
it may just overheat from being overworked. A laptop cooler may help. For a simple solution I've
just put a couple of pencils under my laptop to elevate it a little off the table in the back. This
simple solution helped my laptop run much cooler under stress.

If your computer occasionally shuts off it may be due to overheating. As a safety precaution your computer will shutdown upon reaching a certain temperature. If you are using your laptop in bed, and it is resting on a blanket or some other object is blocking the fan it may cause the laptop to overheat. Try elevating the laptop or getting a laptop mat with built in fan to help keep it cool. If there is an issue with the Nvida card changing the BIOS will not help.

ok to fix this you have to call compaq and ask if they can have the bios password removed and after that you can try to see if the system will boot

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/siteHome?cc=us&lc=en

here is the link to hp drivers they make compaq computers


best of luck

Do not use your laptop while it rests in the blanket of your bed. By a good 30$ laptop lap board from amazon so that the vents are not stuffed with anything.

Hello

The computer is usually clogged with dust and other debris. See if the following instructions help.

compaq nc6220 disassembly instructions
http://static.tigerdirect.com/pdf/c00622160.pdf Compaq Manual

Goto page 107 and follow the instructions to page 108.
Goto page 118 and follow the instructions to page 121.
Goto page 126 and see below:

Be sure to have a duster can with a extender tube on hand now.

On Page 126 You will remove the fan. This and the next page are the purpose
of doing this work. Follow the fan removal instructions. Check that the fan
turns freely. Take the duster and the fan and carry it outside if it is very
dusty and clogged up. Now blow the dust and accumulated debris from the fan.
Set the fan aside.

On Page 127 You will only examine the heat sink, do NOT remove any screws here!!!
The heatsink is a copper or black colored assembly with heatpipes that curve to
the right into the cooling vanes. Look into the cooling vanes that are located
in the area where the fan was mounted. If there is blockage take you duster and
the extender tube. Insert the tube into the duster and try to hold the can
upright at all times. Now spray the gas into the cooling vanes with the tube
facing the side of the computer. This will be dusty. You may want to do it
outside if careful. Otherwise, wear a dust filter mask.

To re-assemble follow the instructions in reverse order.

If there was a blockage you will see a immediate improvement.
I hope that this helps.