Reset Win 10 Os, Now Asking For Hp.com Email Or Security Key?

I needed to reset the Windows 10 operating system on my HP Elitebook 840 G5 after which when the OS setup process started it made it through 'County', 'Keyboard Language', 'Connecting to Wireless Network', then the next window directed me to sign in with my hp.com email address. But I don't have a hp.com email. The only other option says to insert my security key into the USB port. But I don't have a security key either. What do I do now to continue reloading the OS?
I also tried loading Windows 10 Home downloaded from Microsoft.com (ISO file) on to a brand new Samsung 980 M.2 SSD, but the setup process stops at this same place asking for xxx@hp.com email or a security key.

 

Was the PC purchased new from a store or is it pre-owned? Sounds like it may have a BIOS lock or Pre-logon password. If so there is a workaround but not sure of the forum’s policy on this as usually it is a no go on other forums.
The only other option would be to clean install Windows, if you have & the problem remains then you may need to contact HP or the store/seller for instructions.

 

It was recently purchased from a reputable seller on ebay. He requested for me to send him the SSD that I purchased so he could "reload the Windows". Since then he replied that his tech was having the same issue, stuck at "enter your hp.com email". This makes no sense to me due to I still have the machine itself in my possesion. The new SSD that I sent to him has/had a fresh install of Windows 10 Home downloaded from Microsoft. If he did, in fact "reload the Windows" as he said he would, then maybe it has something to do with his installation of Windows Pro. I don't have a clue what's going on, and he is not the tech. I still have until the end of this week before the deadline on their 30-day return policy, so it's probably best for me to request a return, since he will probably need the machine if this issue gets solved. I'll be glad to re-purchase the machine but only if I can use it without this issue happening again.
Thanks for the help Goddess Bastet!

 

I would return the PC. The lock may be within the BIOS, if so this may or may not be circumvented. The seller may have purchased ex company PCs which haven’t fully been removed from the organisation.
I would also ensure the Pro license is genuine & not a volume/KMS license.

 

Yes it is an "ex company PC". I just now sent a reply to his last message stating that I need to return the machine. Hopefully he will reply promptly and the return will go smoothly. Hopefully I'll get my 1TB Samsung SSD back too.

 

If he’s an honest seller he should accept the return & send back your SSD.

 

I solved the 'Enter Security Key/HP email' issue by reinstalling the OS from the recovery partition. Since the seller only offered a replacement with the same model machine I decided to keep this one, with plans to clone the 256 GB SSD to a new 1TB Samsung SSD that I bought. The Samsung cloning software says it can not clone a disk that is encrypted. The 256gb ssd is listed as Bitlocker encrypted in 'Disk Management' but when I go to Bitlocker to remove encryption it says, "Waiting to be activated/ turn on Bitlocker?"
So what do I do to remove encryption so that I can clone the drive? And how do I re-encrypt the drive the same as it is now after cloning so that this 'Ex-company' machine will boot to the disc without requiring a security key/HP email like it did when I tried to install a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft?

 

You need to clean install Windows to remove the encryption completely. Usually to turn on/off Bitlocker you’d need the key.
The message suggests that the drive is encrypted but is awaiting a key to unlock/lock. Type manage BitLocker in search & choose turn on Bitlocker, then choose an option to save the key - your MS account is best + printing the key out. Once done you should be able to turn it off temporarily or permanently using the key.
Is Windows activated?

I would try Macrium Reflect free to clone or image the disk. If you’re moving to a larger drive then I would recommend imaging rather than cloning as many have found that they cannot boot into Windows after cloning, also cloning may not expand the partitions automatically unless you drag & drop them to the new drive.

 

Once I activated Bitlocker, then used it to unencrypt the drive the OS booted just fine. Then I was able to image the 256GB SATA SSD over to my 1TB NVMe M.2 with no problem. Everything works fine now. Thanks a ton for your help GB!

 

You’re very welcome. Glad to help.