Compaq's CEO Eckhard Pfeiffer is to host a conference call this afternoon to discuss the massive shortfall in Compaq's financial results. (Stories:Compaq issues profits warning and Barrage of class actions hit Compaq and Deep schisms mar Compaq 64-bit plan) The call starts 8.00 am Eastern Standard Time, and it's a listen only affair. This is the week of Compaq's Innovate jamboree in Houston, so the news could not have come at a worse time for the company. We'll report on it later today. ®