@asppie Let's start with the power reset (no data loss), it only helps release static electricity that could be causing issues like the one you have:
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Shut down the computer, then disconnect the power cord from the rear of the computer.
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Press and hold down the power button for at least 10 seconds, then release it. The power light indicator might turn on briefly then go out.
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Reconnect the power cord, then turn on the computer to confirm if the issue with the unknown password prompt is gone.
If not, I suggest you perform a BIOS recovery before you proceed further: Click here for steps.
If the above doesn't help, use the below steps to perform an extensive hardware test to identify any failures within the device causing these issues:
- Hold the power button for at least five seconds to turn off the computer.
- Turn on the computer and immediately press Esc repeatedly, about once every second. When the menu appears, press the F2 key.
- On the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) main menu, click System Tests.
- Click Extensive Test.
- Click Run once, or Loop until error.
- While the test is running, the time remaining and test result for each component display on the screen.
If a component fails a test, write down the failure ID (24-digit code) for when you respond back to us.
If you feel I was helpful, simply click on Accept as Solution to help the community grow,
That said, I will have someone follow-up on this to ensure you've been helped,
Just in case you don't get back to us within 24 - 48hrs, and have a good day, ahead.
Riddle_Decipher
I am an HP Employee