[nicollo]

You got stuck in 1809. Quit fighting it. Instead, get through to an HP, US-based tech and ask them to send you a clean Win system install flash drive.

They’ll know your model, etc. It will likely install an even earlier Win version, but before installing any additional software, just give it 2 days to upgrade to 1903.

[daniel1212]

You got stuck in 1809. Quit fighting it. Instead, get through to an HP, US-based tech and ask them to send you a clean Win system install flash drive. They’ll know your model, etc. It will likely install an even earlier Win version, but before installing any additional software, just give it 2 days to upgrade to 1903.

Yes, and one can Perform an 'in-place upgrade' to fix a buggy Windows installation Without Deleting Your Software, Files...

And he may be able to download the latest W/10 iso from MS and install it using the Microsoft Windows 10 Installation / Media Creation Tool.

Best to make sure you have the valid product key copied.

[Windflier]

...before installing any additional software, just give it 2 days to upgrade to 1903.

Thanks. That seems like sound advice for a non techie like me.