My compaq presario c500 keeps switching itself on in the early hours of the morning. i have checked that i dont have any scans or updates due to run at that time but i just cant find out why its doing this... please help.. leissa gordon

This issue could be due to hard drive or due to Recovery partition. In order to isoalte and resolve this issue I request you to perform the below steps :
Please follow the steps given below to run the hard disk self test:

1. Restart your notebook.
2. Press F10 key when you see Compaq Logo.
3. Using the arrow keys navigate to Diagnostics Menu.
4. Select Primary Hard Drive Self Test.
5. Click Enter

This may take up to 55 minutes.

Please get back with the result

try to turn on the laptop without the battery and only the power cord plug in.

if your laptop works with this you need new battery or update bios ( there might be fix for battery monitor)

if not, call service support, might be motherboard issue

let me know an update

You didn't mention what OS you are running but this link will take you to the main driver page for the c500 on HP's website.

Please post your results back here, especially if you have problems finding/installing the drivers for your unit and need additional assistance.

if you don't have driver disc,then you can find it in driver databases

i may be due to over heating of components like heat sink. or the problem with the connecting display cable. check it out

There are a few c500 models to choose from...

» Compaq Presario C500 CTO Notebook PC
» Compaq Presario C500EA Notebook PC
» Compaq Presario C500EU Notebook PC
» Compaq Presario C500T CTO Notebook PC

Go to the following link and choose your model number from the above list (they are the first four choices in the list)
http://h20180.www2.hp.com/apps/Lookup?h_pagetype=s-001&h_lang=en&h_client=s-s-r2515-1&h_cc=ca&h_query=Compaq+Presario+C500+Notebook+PC+series

why bother, go on the net and search for windows updates. dont use windows but another 3rd party site, they have all the updates to do this. i run my system on the earliest xp windows. i have to load sp1, sp2 and sp3, do you think i am going to wait 3 hours to download all the updates. 5 hours it took with the damn thing keep on switching on and off. now i load 1, 2 and 3, an hour and its all done. then just update for the extras which is malicious software update and a few security updates.
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Here is one for $28 plus shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Compaq-Presario-C500-CPU-Cooling-Fan-409073-001_W0QQitemZ290267492182QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

check your ram memory.
scan your pc with quick heal ,avast and symantec with update definition.

i need more info what program are you running {os} and which audio are you installing.