Failed to load BIOS PIN default

[joeu12181]

My HP is out of warranty. When I start my PC the HP logo displays, the activity circle spins, but I eventually get a blue screen, and a Recovery Manager message: The recovery attempt has failed. I select the 'details' button, and get the message: [SSRM_SetSystemDefault] Failed to load BIOS PIN default.

When I startup and hit F2 I'm able to get into the BIOS diagnostic tools. I've run a memory test and hard drive check (extensive version), and both passed. 

When I hit F10 and power up I'm able to get into the BIOS Setup Utility. It says BIOS Revision F.53. To me, the fact that the system responds to both F2 and F10  indicates that the BIOS is working fine. (Just in case, I built a USB BIOS update per the HP support page, but when that USB is inserted in the computer and the machine is started I get the same error - failed to load BIOS PIN default.)

It seems that when Windows 10 Boot Manager starting up it is looking for a BIOS PIN default, and it can't find it. Does anyone know where it is looking for this? What is the BIOS PIN default? Is it stored in the CMOS or on the hard drive? Is there a value I can enter into a registry field to get past this?

My son used this computer. There is a good chance he went to a malware/ransomware/other-ware site and the HD is corrupted. I'm willing to spend $50 to get a new SSD HD, but only if it seems it would fix the problem. And I think it might fix the problem if the BIOS PIN default is stored on the hard drive.

I don't have any data I need to save or recover from this PC. I want it to start up in its leave-the-factory state.