Oh dear ... my fault
HP pc has the rhs number pad with the buttons either set to 'numbers' or set to actions like 'home/pg up/ end etc. This is controlled by a button marked num lock which of course does not have an illuminated led when set in one of the two possibilities
![Groan :groan:](./images/smilies/groan.gif)
... you simply press it, it is non locking. This was reset such that my number pad was non operational but the second password 'try' somehow auto activates it into the numbers settings (just for the password entry) and the pc is opened. Typing in the password code 1st time should have made me aware that the numbers were not being entered ... but my focus is on the number pad.
Ho hum ... velly sorry to have taken up your time. I will try to behave more responsibly in future and try not to blame our cat for walking over the keypad
Cheers Ron