Factory reset of Notebook without Windows PW and not enough free space

[Needhelp1013]

I have a Notebook given to me by deceased relative and PW unknown.  The intention is to perform a factory reset but get the message "Additional free space needed on the drive where Windows is installed.  Free up some space and try again".  How do I get by this to complete the reset?  Guessing this is a Win 10 64-bit.  Called HP but they want to charge to help with a factory reset which is a little irritating.

[CherylG]

@Needhelp1013

Best option is wipe the eMMC and start fresh. Your Windows 10 license key is embedded in BIOS and you can reinstall Windows 10 with the latest update included. You must use another machine with free space to make this installer.

Microsoft provides the free Media Creation Tool to download files and create a Windows 10 usb flash drive. At least 8gb flash drive required:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Select Download tool now, and select Run.
If you agree to the license terms, select Accept.
On the What do you want to do? page, select Create installation media for another PC, and then select Next.
Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) for Windows 10.

The Guide here will make it less intimidating.Pay attention to Step 5 since you will be using another pc:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2376-create-bootable-usb-flash-drive-install-windows-10-a.html
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When your usb flash is prepared insert it in usb port of your laptop. Power on the laptop and immediately start tapping Esc key. From the menu tap F9 key to boot from the flash drive- use the arrow keys to move to and select/highlight usb. Tap Enter key.
After starting the Install and you go through a couple of screens - choose Custom (not upgrade) and delete each partition (if you have more than 1) Select/highlight each and click the Delete icon. Click Nect to continue with installation.It should pickup the key from BIOS but if it asks at any point just choose "I don't have a key". It will continue and should activate once you are online.

This will not include the original software from HP but most of it can be installed from your Support page.

[Needhelp1013]

Thanks.  I tried twice and during creating Windows 10 installation media, encountered the follwing error both times at aproximately 50% complete "We're not sure what happened, but we're unable to run this tool on your PC.  If you continue experiencing problems, reference the error code when contacting customer support.  Error code 0x80042405-0xA001A"

Trying to find a solution to this.

[CherylG · Accepted solution]

You might try the suggestion of saving or copying the Media creation Tool to the usb flash drive and run it from there. Seems to work for several here:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-windows_install/windows-10-media-creati...

[Needhelp1013]

A big thanks to CherylG.  I was able to make a Media Creation Tool using another PC with no issues and reload onto the locked machine.  All is well now.  Thanks again.

[CherylG]

@Needhelp1013

You're very welcome. Happy to hear you are back up and running with fresh install.